All good things must come to an end, and some end before they even get started. Such is the case in the City of Portola where a newly-elected councilman has regretfully said he is unable to serve.
Stephen J. Clifton won election to the council on Nov. 8. But before he could even be sworn in, he notified the dais that he would not be taking the job.
“It is with deep regret that I will not accept the office to which I was elected on Nov. 8, 2016,” Clifton wrote in a letter to the council. “I have health issues that I have failed to resolve since deciding to run for Council in July, after I underwent successful colon cancer surgery on May 31.”
“Upon much heartfelt personal review, I find that it would be unwise to undergo the challenges and stresses of City Council work which may well prompt a return of said colon cancer. I would like to thank the citizens of Portola for their ballots in my favor. I would like to offer best wishes and Godspeed to the present Council members for success in guiding Portola in the challenging times ahead.”
The city council is now looking for candidates interested in filling the vacancy until the general election in Nov. 2018. Interested parties can visit the city website for more details.
Clifton isn’t the only Portola official forced to step back for health reasons. Volunteer Fire Department Chief Ron Jacobson also recently resigned because of a health scare.
Best wishes for both Stephen Clifton and Ron Jacobson.