Aug. 19--Camden Chief Operating Officer Theodore Z. Davis, who is stepping down at the end of the month, said yesterday that the city "must jettison the culture of dependency upon the state."

"We must resolve that we are going to be responsible for our fate. Frankly, it is not that difficult, but does take perseverance," he said.

In a written statement that followed his resignation announcement on Monday, Davis did not offer details about how to make Camden more self-sufficient, and he did not explain why he was leaving.

But his announcement spurred hopes that Camden, an impoverished and dangerous city of 80,000 people, could move back to local control after being under the rule of an omnipotent, governor-appointed official since the takeover of the city's government by the state began seven years ago.

Getting rid of the chief operating officer and returning power to a new mayor would require an act of the state Legislature. But with Mayor Gwendolyn Faison retiring and a new mayor to be elected in November, the timing just might be right.

"I really think she needs to be able to have free rein to work on her plans for the city," said Councilman William Spearman, referring to the candidate for mayor he supports, Councilwoman Dana Redd. "So I'm not sure if it makes a lot of sense to have another COO in place."

Like other officials and employees in City Hall, Councilman Gilbert "Whip" Wilson was surprised by Davis' announcement and said it was a "very strange time for this to take place."

But maybe this means democratic rights will return to Camden, he said.

"My hope, number one, is that we don't have anyone come in, and we give the power back to the mayor," Wilson said.

He's skeptical, though. "Realistically, they'll probably bring someone in there," he said.

Davis, 76, released a six-paragraph statement yesterday about his resignation, but he was mum on what had prompted his departure 21/2 years after being appointed perhaps the most powerful municipal leader in the nation. Based on legislation passed in 2002 and renewed in 2007, he is answerable only to the governor and is able to overrule the mayor, City Council, and all city agencies.

He was supposed to serve until the takeover expired in 2012.

Just last week, Davis vetoed a requirement passed by City Council that would have mandated police officer and firefighter candidates live in Camden for at least three years.

Wilson said Davis had proved to be "anti-resident" with such actions, and had failed to consult with the mayor and City Council about policies.