Creedmoor Mayor Antwane Downey Keeps Office After Board Votes to End Removal Proceedings
CREEDMOOR, NC – After months of controversy surrounding a driving while impaired charge, Creedmoor Mayor Antwane Downey will remain in office following a 4-1 vote by the Board of Commissioners on Wednesday, November 4, to discontinue proceedings aimed at removing him.
Commissioner Robert Way cast the lone dissenting vote against ending the removal effort.
Speaking with the Ledger News on Thursday, November 5, Downey thanked the commissioners for their decision, acknowledging he hadn’t expected the outcome.
“I’m very, very over the moon that the board decided not to proceed with the motion proceedings,” Downey said.
However, the mayor acknowledged that restoring residents’ confidence will require more than words.
“People have to see the progress that I’m making and that the city is making,” Downey said. “We’re in the action season now.”
Downey said he intends to help move Creedmoor forward and believes the decision presents an opportunity for a new chapter in his leadership.
Why Commissioners Considered Removing Downey
Spectacular Magazine reported in April that the controversy began after Downey was charged with driving while impaired and other offenses following the January crash.
Commissioners subsequently cited the incident and Downey’s previous alcohol-related traffic offenses when initiating an admonition proceeding, a legal process through which a governing board may remove an official for cause.
The board retained outside legal counsel to investigate and prepare a report establishing the factual basis for possible removal.
That report was presented during a closed session on November 4, before commissioners voted to discontinue the proceedings.
The city has declined to release the report, citing attorney-client privilege and concerns about preserving commissioners’ impartiality should future proceedings become necessary.
According to the city’s statement, commissioners have been advised not to discuss or characterize the report’s findings.
Mayor Pro Tem Explains His Decision
Commissioner Archer Wilkins, Creedmoor’s mayor pro tem, said his vote reflected both financial considerations and his belief that accountability should include an opportunity for meaningful change.
Wilkins emphasized that his earlier support for initiating the investigation was based on the seriousness of Downey’s conduct.
“As a commissioner, I have a responsibility to protect public funds,” Wilkins said.
“As a minister, I believe in accountability, forgiveness, and the opportunity for people to demonstrate meaningful change.”
Wilkins said continuing the removal process and spending additional public funds would not serve the city’s best interests.
Nevertheless, he stressed that his decision should not be interpreted as excusing impaired driving.
“The mayor now has an opportunity — and a responsibility — to rebuild public trust through his conduct and service,” Wilkins said.
He added that another opportunity comes with expectations of responsible behavior, sound judgment, and sustained improvement.
Previous Restrictions on Mayor’s Authority
Before Wednesday’s vote, commissioners had taken several actions in response to the controversy.
The board previously approved a vote of no confidence and formally requested Downey’s resignation.
In April, commissioners also voted to revoke several mayoral privileges, including restricting his access to City Hall except for official meetings.
Downey was additionally prohibited from using his city email account or distributing city business cards identifying him as mayor.
In May, he declined a commissioner’s public request to voluntarily reduce his salary following the restrictions.
The November 4 decision does not establish whether those earlier restrictions have been lifted. The city’s announcement addressed the removal proceedings, not the restoration of previously revoked privileges.
Public Reaction and Mayor’s Apology
Since the January crash, Creedmoor residents have expressed differing opinions about Downey’s future.
Some called for his resignation or immediate removal, arguing that his conduct undermined confidence in city leadership. Others supported allowing him to continue serving.
During an August 18 commissioners’ meeting, Downey publicly apologized to residents, fellow commissioners, and city employees.
“I would like to apologize to the citizens of Creedmoor,” Downey said. “I would like to apologize to this board, and I would like to apologize to the city staff for my conduct. And I am truly and genuinely sorry.”
The apology followed months of criticism and growing pressure surrounding his continued service.
What Happens Next?
With the amotion proceedings discontinued, Downey retains his elected position, but the political consequences of the controversy may continue.
Commissioners Georgana Kicinski and Ed Gleason declined to comment on the decision. Commissioner Darryl Moss referred questions to the city’s official statement.
For Downey, the immediate challenge is demonstrating that his commitment to change translates into effective leadership.
For Creedmoor residents, the central question is whether accountability, transparency, and measurable progress can restore confidence in their mayor and city government.
The DWI charge and related legal matters are separate from the board’s decision to discontinue removal proceedings. The information provided does not establish a final disposition of those charges.