MARIETTA - Two weeks after undergoing surgery for an internal medical problem, Marietta Mayor Joe Matthews said he hopes to be back at city hall this week.
"I went in for surgery Nov. 30 and came home from the hospital on Dec. 6. Since then I've been recuperating at home," Matthews said Tuesday.
The mayor did not wish to disclose the reason for his surgery at this time, but said he would share more with the public after follow-up visits with his doctors.
"I've had a lot of phone calls and cards, but I feel great," Matthews said. "In fact, I was up and walking around the day after the surgery."
During the hospital stay and recuperation, city council president Walt Brothers filled in for the mayor, as provided through municipal code.
"I've stayed in contact with city offices, Walt, and (safety-service director) Jonathan Hupp," Matthews said. "And I've been working at home, catching up on paperwork and signing necessary documents."
Brothers said taking on the temporary mayoral role was not too difficult.
"Joe and I have talked at least once a week since we were elected about any city subject that has come up," he said. "We share concerns and know each other's perspectives, so that makes filling in for him a little easier on me."
He said no major issues arose over the last couple of weeks, but if there had been any problems Brothers said he could have relied on the mayor's staff for assistance.
Hupp said while Brothers took on the role of acting mayor, he continued the day to day operations of the city.
"I've probably talked to the mayor four or five times a day since his surgery," Hupp said. "It's almost like he was never gone. And everything has been running great."
