Marinscope
Longtime Novato City Councilmember Denise Athas has announced she will retire and not seek re-election.
Her statement is below:
“It has been my pleasure and honor to serve as a Councilmember and 3 time Mayor for the City of Novato over the past 13 years. Novato is an amazing and wonderful city and to be a part of some of the decisions over these years has been a pleasure. The staff at the City is unparalleled and I have been in awe of them every day and it has been an honor serving as part of the team on our city council. After deep consideration regarding running for a 4th term I have decided to not seek re-election. This was a very difficult decision.
“My mother passed away 13 years ago and it was on her death bed that I promised to make sure Novato would have places for seniors to age in place – something we did not have 13 years ago. It is with pride that we now have Elegance de Novato in Hamilton and Oakmont close to downtown and have other options for seniors to stay in their hometown and age in place.
“I have loved working for the people of Novato and am so grateful to have been voted in 3 times to serve. I do not consider myself as retiring as George and I will be concentrating on our Real Estate career and brokerage and will always stay engaged in our wonderful City. George has been very patient, having waited for me to take time while I was engaged with the Boards and Presidencies of the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Business Association prior to being on Council. It is time for us to take care of some bucket lists that we have been putting off.
“We have many wonderful engaged people who I believe want to share their time with being on City Council. I have decided not to endorse anyone specifically who might be my successor but I would hope that any candidate will understand the needs of the city, the financial responsibilities and be someone who puts the needs of the people and city first and is a team player.
“It will be very hard to leave the position, the League of California Cities (Cal Cities) and all the impressive people I have met during my term. Thank you Novato – it has been my pleasure to serve.”
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