The Mayor of Sparta addressed his sudden resignation during a meeting Friday.In a room full of people, Mayor Wes Brinegar explained what unfolded at Tuesday's town hall meeting.The Mayor spoke for nearly 30 minutes, getting emotional at times.He said there's so much that needs to be said about what led up to his resignation Tuesday, but he focused mostly on his effort to remain honorable. "We were taught to be honorable and hold integrity," Brinegar said. "And not lie or cheat or do anything unethical. And I have done that and will continue to do that."Brinegar has been the Mayor of Sparta since 2017. Since then, he says he's only missed one meeting-- and that was the day he had a heart attack in October of 2022."It's been an interesting ride-- I've loved it and have enjoyed being Mayor," Brinegar said. "I love my town and my people-- and today and last Tuesday, I felt my resignation was just the right thing to do."Brinegar says his sudden resignation at Tuesday's town hall meeting came after he caught wind of rumors circulating-- saying Town Manager Ryan Wilmoth was going to be fired. He says certain people were trying to "oust" Wilmoth."I caught wind of it through the grapevine," Brinegar said. "And I was told individuals put together a plan to oust him and put someone else in his place-- and it's unfortunate, it's not right, and it's illegal. The direction I see this board headed down isn't one Ryan or myself want to support. Dirty politics is dirty politics and I didn't realize it was that dirty." Once Mayor Brinegar read Wilmoth's resignation letter at the town hall meeting, members voted three to one to accept it without any discussion or tabling. That's when Brinegar decided to stand with Wilmoth, and suddenly announce his own resignation."As Mayor, there are certain standards we have as Mayor and Town Council members," Brinegar said. "And some unethical things have been going on in my town, and I've decided at this time-- there's no corruption or nothing like that in our town-- it's pretty much a power struggle and a coup plan to take over by ousting our town manager and trying to move on in another direction-- and I didn't appreciate it."Mayor Brinegar did clarify that town attorney Whitney Ivey had already announced her resignation before Tuesday's meeting for personal matters unrelated to the other resignations."I love my town, and everyone knows me-- I've been here all my life," said Brinegar. "And I appreciate all the kind words I've received over the last three days-- thank you so much. And I ask you, the citizens and taxpayers of this city, to help out and continue moving forward to be progressive in getting stuff done."Wes Brinegar will remain Sparta's Mayor through March 29.After that, Mike Parlier will become Mayor Pro Tempore. Brinegar says both Parlier and John Brady have stood by him.There is a Sparta "personnel matter" that will be investigated by the local police department, likely within the next week or so. "Let me say this right now, and let me make it perfectly clear, there has been no illegal dealings, no money taken, nothing done from these folks in this room that stand behind me today," Brinegar said. "These guys do their jobs and do them right and deserve all the respect they get."As Brinegar's resignation looms, he says he can't trust the judgment of the majority of the current board."Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is looking," Brinegar said. "Standing for what is right is never wrong. My final words are these-- on behalf of my family, I thank you for your support. I have never seen the outpouring of messages I have received over the last couple of days, showing me support or saying you're proud of me. Sparta will never have a better advocate to bring people here, brag about this town, and do what is right than the two guys that just turned in their resignations."