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By ADAM RUSSELL
Staff Writer

WHITEHOUSE - The city of Whitehouse mayoral race will continue today, but one of the candidates said he would resign if elected.

Jeremy McEuen effectively withdrew his candidacy Friday afternoon and said voters should support Danny Hogden because he will be unable to serve as mayor.

McEuen contacted City Secretary Stefani Wright around 2 p.m. Friday and said he had taken a second job and would be unable to commit the time and effort to effectively serve as mayor. Ms. Wright contacted Whitehouse city attorney Stephen Evans, who advised the city on the situation.

"Basically it's too late to get him off of the ballot," Evans said. "There's nothing we can do lawfully except go through with the election."

Evans said that if McEuen is elected and does not want to serve, he can resign. The city will then have 30 days to find a replacement and appoint the person as mayor until the next election is held, which would be next year. Evans said those stipulations are in the city's charter and part of state and federal election laws. A letter was drafted and signed by McEuen telling voters he would be unable to serve and asking them to support Hogden for mayor.

McEuen said he was offered the children's pastor position at First Assembly of Whitehouse on Thursday and could not pass on the opportunity. He also works full time at the Whitehouse Post Office.

"If I had known six weeks ago that this would happen I would not have run," McEuen said. "I just want what's best for the city and I can't do that with two jobs."

Hogden said he was sorry to hear of McEuen's decision. He said the most important part of this election was to get people involved. Hogden said he hopes more people become involved with community decisions whether they run for city government, attend city council meeting or vote today.

"I know if (citizens) are out voting, they are involved," he said after he learned the news. "I would like to see 250 people vote tomorrow."

The deadline to withdraw was March 18 and would have made the election unnecessary. The city estimates the election will cost Whitehouse $6,200, close to the amount of last year's election.

Hogden said he was thankful for McEuen's support for his candidacy and that he would thank him personally if given the opportunity. McEuen said he will vote today.

"I am going to vote for Danny," he said.