VIDALIA, La. – Bill Murray confirmed Wednesday morning that he has resigned from his post as Vidalia alderman and mayor pro-tem in order to build up his business so he can run for mayor in four years.

For the last two years, Murray has worked as a consultant to architects working on food service-related projects.

He has been an alderman for eight years.

During the next four years, he will hire extra employees and train them to handle the day-to-day operations of the business in case he becomes Vidalia’s next mayor.

&uot;This is the most difficult decision I’ve made in my life,&uot;&160;said Murray, whose father and grandfather are both past mayors of the town.

&uot;The goal is to build up the business … in case I&160;am needed as mayor.&uot;

He added that Copeland, who is now in his third term as mayor, had seriously discussed not running for a fourth term.

But Copeland said he has not decided whether to run for a fourth term. &uot;That’s such a long time away,&uot;&160;Copeland said. &uot;No one knows what could happen in the future.&uot;

Town Clerk Vicki Byrne said Wednesday the town will notify the Secretary of State’s Office of Murray’s resignation.

That office will send the town a letter declaring the District 3 alderman’s position vacant.

Copeland must appoint a replacement no more than 10 days after the town receives that letter.

&uot;So it will probably be two to three weeks before someone is appointed,&uot; Copeland said.

He added that the town’s Board of Aldermen would probably approve that appointment at its next regular meeting.