Starkville Mayor Mack Rutledge, 72, is experiencing a recurrence of cancer but plans to complete his term in office and be at tonight’s aldermen meeting.
This is Rutledge’s fourth bout with cancer. He suffered from colon cancer in 1997 and prostate cancer in 1998. Those two illnesses were not linked.
Rutledge then had surgery for colorectal cancer in the fall, but this time the disease has spread to his groin, chest and liver, he said in a press release.
“This malignant involvement in several organs of my body apparently accounts for my inability to regain weight and strength since returning from the hospital on Nov. 2,” Rutledge said.
Rutledge said he will begin chemotherapy treatments as soon as possible, at the advice of his oncologist.
“He predicts that the treatment, if successful, will result in improved physical condition and weight gain within six weeks,” Rutledge said.
Rutledge, who already announced that he would not seek re-election at the end of his term, said he does not expect this to interfere with his mayoral duties aside from one outpatient treatment each week.
“I expect to spend the next four and one-half months as a busy, involved and energetic mayor, and to leave office on June 30 with the satisfaction of a 100 percent effort for eight years.”
Ward 2 Alderman and Vice Mayor Frank Davis has filled in for Rutledge during previous illnesses. “He and I are working together right now,” Davis said. “Whatever he asks me to do, I do for him.”
Davis, who has qualified as a mayoral candidate for the Democratic primary in May, will serve as acting mayor if Rutledge is not able to complete his term.
“We are all hoping and praying that he is able to complete his term and that he will enjoy many days of his retirement,” Davis said.
Rutledge also expressed gratitude for the community’s support.
“We are confident that this spiritual support has accounted for our past eight years’ strong cancer survival, and whatever future success we may enjoy,” he said.