Though Anna is expected to make a complete recovery, Matthews said she had to step down immediately in order to care for her daughter.
Matthews, a Democrat and the only woman on the council, said that Anna’s “upcoming treatments” and surgery “are my priorities at this time.”
Matthews, who has represented the 3rd District since 2009, notified city officials shortly before 4 p.m. that she could no longer serve.
In a written statement, she said that she hopes “whoever is chosen to fill the City Council vacancy through November enjoys the many rewards of public service as much as I have.”
Because the November 8 municipal election is less than nine months away, the city charter requires the mayor to appoint a replacement from the same party “with the approval of the City Council.” He has two weeks to act.
Mayor Art Ward said he wishes the best to Matthews and her family.
“Our prayers are with them,” he said, adding that he would do anything to assist her.
City Councilor Ken Cockayne, a second-term Republican, had planned to tell the Republican Town Committee Monday evening what he intended to do in this year’s campaign.
But, he said, given the “terrible news,” he opted to wait.
“My thoughts and prayers go out to her family,” Cockayne said. “Family has to come first.” Click here for the full story.
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