Media Writing: Edited Press Release

 

Peoria Mayor Tom Reid announced yesterday that he will resign his position by the end of the month.  Mayor Reid made the decision to resign after learning that his wife had been diagnosed with cancer.  Reid’s announcement was given in a prepared statement that he delivered at last night’s city council meeting,  

Mayor Reid expressed regret that he would not be able to finish serving out his 2010 term, stating that his primary concern is his wife’s health and that he plans to devote his full time and attention to his wife.  Reid said that he and his wife plan to move to Ohio to be near family after he leaves office.  

Responding to the Mayor’s announcement, Council member Sharon White remarked “We are sorry to see him go, but we know he and his wife are experiencing personal challenges, and his wife’s health is his priority right now.”  

Reid’s resignation comes at a time of internal struggle in the council due to serious disagreement among council members regarding the proposed distribution of funds to various city departments.  Continuing disagreement over the city’s budget compelled several members to walk out of recent council meetings in frustration.

As the council deals with budget disagreements, it also faces the task of deciding whether to appoint a replacement to fill in for Reid until the 2010 election or whether to set up a special election for a new mayor.  

Council member White insisted that the council will work together to decide what is best for Peoria and its residents, and that it will help make the transition to a new mayor as easy as possible for everyone involved.  “There’s never a good time in a city’s operations for a mayor to resign,” White said.  “But in this case the council must set aside our differences, and we will do so partly out of respect for the work and commitment Reid has made during his term in office.”

Council members Richard Hirsch and Michael Krueger have estimated that a special election to replace Mayor Reid could cost the city more than $20,000.   Councilman Krueger pointed out that the alternative would be an agreement on a replacement for Mayor Reid, which would present a challenge given the council’s current difficulties.

 “I’d like for us to come together for the sake of Peoria and reach a consensus on this one right away,” Krueger said.  “The city needs to move on.  We have a lot of work ahead of us.”