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Goodyear Mayor Jim Cavanaugh abruptly ended his term as the city’s mayor this morning. In a letter to the citizens of Goodyear, Cavanaugh resigned his post, citing problems with other elected officials as the reason.
“My effectiveness as your mayor has been diminished by a strong collaboration of city manager and a majority of city council,” Cavanaugh writes.
Cavanaugh didn’t provide specific details of any problems he’s had with other officials, just that “the past couple years have been very disappointing to me.”
In March, Cavanaugh was elected to his second four-year term as mayor, which officially came to an end at 8 a.m. today.
Vice Mayor Georgia Lord will now serve as acting mayor.
Check out Cavanaugh’s entire letter after the jump.
“With this letter, I hereby announce my resignation as mayor, city of
Goodyear, effective 8 a.m., 15 Nov. 2010. May I express my deep-felt
appreciation to every citizen of our city for your support to me and the
city staff during these past 11-plus years on council. My reason for
resignation is not a result of a legal problem, an ethical problem, nor a
medical issue. I have no job offer nor an expectation to serve in
another political office. As the mayor, I am ultimately responsible for
the execution of the city’s mission and the safety, well-being, and
quality of life of our residents. I take that responsibility very
seriously, and I would hope that you expect nothing less from me. The
past couple years have been very disappointing to me. My effectiveness
as your mayor has been diminished by a strong collaboration of city
manager and a majority of city council. Frankly, I do not find
intellectual solace in their view of government size, democracy,
bureaucracy, or taxation, although apparently some of our citizens do.
When a person finds himself or herself unable to execute a
responsibility in a manner in which he or she believes satisfies that
responsibility, and realistically sees no cure under the existing
situation, it is time to move on. That’s what I’m doing.”
