Alzheimer's disease has prompted the resignation of Ketchum City Councilwoman Christina Potters.
In a letter written to Mayor Ed Simon Monday, May 2, Potters wrote it was with "deep regret" that she would give up her seat at noon that day. She did not attend the council's meeting Monday evening.
"It has been an honor and a pleasure to represent my fellow citizens for eleven and a half years," she wrote. "However, my health precludes me from finishing my third term."
Potters, 53, was first elected to the City Council in 1993 and was re-elected in 1997 and 2001. Prior to serving on the council, she held a seat on the city Planning and Zoning Commission for approximately four years.
"Despite my resolve to finish my term, the increasing effects of Alzheimer's have made this goal impossible," her letter states.
Potters expressed thanks to her supporters, fellow council members and the city's staff, "who made my job easier."
A resident of West Ketchum, Potters during her tenure was known for listening closely to fellow Ketchum residents and defending their interests.
At their meeting Monday, City Council members unanimously passed a resolution accepting Potters' resignation and extending 30 months of health-care benefits to her.
The city's monthly share of the costs will be $428.85, according to City Administrator Ron LeBlanc. Additionally, when she reaches age 65, Potters should be eligible for PERSI, a state-funded retirement plan for public employees.
Simon said he will appoint someone to serve in Potters' former seat until the next city election in November.
"This is an incredibly sad issue for me," said Council President Randy Hall. "Chris has been a moving force of politics in the city of Ketchum for a long time. She has been one of the largest vote-getters over the last couple of elections. Her service ... has not gone unnoticed."
Potters was elected to her third term in November 2001, after edging out Rod Sievers by a 23-vote margin.
She was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in February 2003, the resignation letter states.
In 2004, she was absent from eight council meetings.
Simon said in a news release that Potters "always sincerely voiced her concerns and spoke with a calmness and dignity which contributed to the public dialogue. On behalf of the Ketchum community, I wish Chris and her family all of our support on the difficult journey ahead."
Ketchum residents interested in being considered for the vacant seat should send letters to Simon at P.O. Box 2315, Ketchum 83340, no later than May 9.
"I'm hoping to have an appointment within the next few days after that," Simon said.
At least two council members must confirm the mayor's recommendation.
Preference will be given to those candidates who are willing to run for a full term on the council in November and who have a strong record of community service, Simon said.
