(Editor’s note: News releases are published unedited, unless they contain factual errors.)
Surprise, AZ (August 15, 2017) District 3 Councilmember John Williams on Tuesday, submitted a letter of resignation from the City Council effectively immediately.
Williams was first elected to the City Council in November 2007. He was re-elected last fall to begin a new four-year team January 1, 2017. Williams was elected Vice Mayor by the City Council in 2012 and again in 2015.
Williams noted his decision for resigning in his letter [https://www.surpriseaz.gov/DocumentCenter/View/38563] sent to the City Council and City Manager this morning:
“My intention a year ago was to fulfill my obligations as an elected official with four more years of service. Life tends to pivot and shift quickly, often unpredictable, unavoidable, and inconvenient. So while this decision comes very early in my third term, and as a surprise to some, it is founded on what is best for my family, my ability to support my family, and how to best serve Surprise and District 3. In stepping down my goal is to refocus all my energy on being the best I can be, as a father, husband and throughout my professional career, never sacrificing the joy in the journey. My hope, I open the door for someone else, someone that reflects the ideals of the working family in District 3 and Surprise, a visionary who will look ahead and serve the greater good for our District and City. Service will never leave me, it’s what drove me to seek re-election, and is critical for growing a vibrant and engaged community. So while I will no longer serve in this leadership role, I remain as committed as ever to our community.”
“John’s sacrifice to service is commendable,” says Mayor Sharon Wolcott. “I had the pleasure to serve with him over the past eight years through good times and challenging times for our city and he was a very compassionate leader for Surprise. I recognize the challenges of balancing family, work and service and while I will miss him on the dais, I respect his needing to take more time to devote to family.”
Per city code, City Council must formally accept Williams’ resignation at a public meeting. As it is not listed on tonight’s council agenda, Council will have to take that action at a future meeting.
Because Williams has more than two years remaining on his term, state law requires the city to put the remainder of his term on the next Council election ballot that would be August 2018.
Once Council takes formal action, the City Clerk shall begin the process to advertise for those wishing to apply for the District 3 seat and serve up until the August 2018 election.
The Council interviews each applicant at a public hearing held no later than 10 days following the close of the application acceptance period, followed by a seven-day period during which public comment may be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office.
Additional details will be provided by the city once the application process is open.
