By The Times of Northwest Indiana
GARY -- Ending days of speculation, Mayor Scott King announced this morning he is resigning from his post for what he called family and financial reasons.
"This job was just an incredible experience. It's a great job -- except for the pay," said King, who noted that he wants to pursue more lucrative work in the private sector through a law practice and consulting work. "I have a great love for this city, but I have a greater love for my family. It's that time for me."
King said it has become difficult to afford things like putting his children through college.
Speculation about King -- who has more than a year still left in his term -- intensified Monday after he appointed former Calumet Township Trustee Dozier Allen Jr. to the position of deputy mayor. Allen now becomes acting mayor until a Democratic caucus is called within 30 days.
Allen ran for mayor, but lost, in the 1975 Democratic primary against Richard Hatcher.
In 1995, King became the first white mayor in 28 years in predominantly black Gary. He easily won re-election in 1999 and 2003.
In April last year, King broke ranks with the Democratic Party and declared himself an independent. Nonetheless, the Democrats will hold the caucus to decide King's replacement because he was a Democrat when elected.