Ironton Mayor Bob Cleary said he never planned to remain silent, but that he was simply unable to find the words after the emotional loss last week to challenger John Elam.

"In the election last Tuesday, the voters decided to go a different direction with the leadership, and I accept that," Cleary said Thursday.

As time has taken some of the sting out of the defeat, he said he is now able to articulate his message to the community.

"I want to apologize to the people that I disappointed by not making any comments Tuesday or Wednesday after the election," he said. "I needed some time with my family to gather my thoughts, but I was back here in the office on Thursday and it was business as usual - taking care of the daily operations of the city."

Cleary said he is very appreciative of the tremendous outpouring of support that he has received from numerous people, both within and outside the community.

Looking back, he said it is hard to describe how proud he has been to serve the community.

"It has truly been an honor to have served the citizens of Ironton for the past six years as their mayor," he said. "It is something they elected me to do and something I truly enjoyed. There was not a day that went by that I was not excited to get here and go to work."

Although the entire election has been bittersweet, Cleary said he believes that the future of the city is very bright and will not suffer during the change of leadership.

"I will be more than happy to work with the new mayor," he said. "I do not want there to be any turmoil during the transition."

On a personal level, Cleary said he and his family is also ready to move forward.

"As I said during the campaign, I have dealt with many catastrophes during my life and I have always looked for opportunities in those," he said. "I am sure I will find an opportunity in this."