Editor,

I want to let you know that I have decided not to run for re-election as Ridgway's mayor. My current term will end when a new mayor is sworn in Wednesday April 11, 12 years after I was first elected. Words cannot describe how much I have enjoyed being part of the Ridgway team. It's been one of the highlights of my life. Ridgway's got a lot going for it... starting with location, location, location, but matched by wonderful citizens, a great staff of employees, and a dedicated and hard working group of volunteers who have stepped up to serve on its councils, commissions and committees. Together we have had a lot of ups, and for sure a few bumps, but I think we negotiated those bumps quite well, really. The bottom line for me is that it has been an honor to have been Ridgway's mayor for the past 12 years, and a pleasure to call you all friends. It's now time for me to hand the gavel over to somebody else.

For me personally, I am certainly not going away. With a little more free time, I want to pay more attention to our local efforts to revive the Sherbino Theater and turn it into a community-owned arts venue. Likewise, I am planning on stepping up my participation with the Ridgway Summer Concert-in-the Park series to help raise the additional funds to build a permanent stage in Town Park. And last but not least, I am contemplating a run for county commissioner next fall as an Independent. We'll see. In the meantime, I thank God and my lucky stars that I get to live here.

– Pat Willits, Future Ex-Mayor, Ridgway