Mayor of Upper Marlboro announces resignation

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (FOX 5 DC) - The mayor of the small town of Upper Marlboro is resigning abruptly after bringing up several incidents of racist attacks she's experienced during her term.

Mayor Tonga Turner submitted her letter of resignation Monday. Her notice was posted to the city's Facebook page.

In the letter, Turner says she's enjoyed being mayor and president of the board of commissioners for Upper Marlboro and also lists several of her accomplishments over the past two years.

Turner did not give a reason for stepping down but says she's excited about what the future holds for herself and for the town.

Per Turner's spokesman, Ray Feldmann, one of the reasons she cited for resigning was wanting to spend more time with her family. He said it did not directly relate to the racist incidents she said she has experienced over her two years as mayor.

Her resignation takes effect on June 21 of this year.