Let me being by saying the last four years have been incredible! It's been a lot of work and a lot of time, but it's been wonderfully informative. Before I proceed on this, let me squelch a few rumors that I have heard in the past couple of days for you. This was a decision that was 100% mine with Karen's opinion thrown into my decision.

#1 I was pushed out by the board of the Boys & Girls Club. 100% INCORRECT. My board is nothing but supportive. There was a contingent, albeit a small one, that didn't want me to run again. I totally see their point. If we had something contentious, like having to raise taxes, would the public take it out on the Boys & Girls Club vicariously? Well, maybe. Their point was understood, but numbers wise, this was not majority opinion. There was also a contingent that said "run again, it's good for the club". And a third contingent, which was the most prevalent, that made it clear that if my work at the club was not suffering and I wanted to be a City Commissioner, then I could. I was never hired with the caveat that I get the job if I retire from the Commission and none of my board forced me out. I have a good, involved board who I believe works in the best interest of the kids and I would like to believe that I am part of that movement. To think my hiring was a political maneuver is an insult to every board member that graciously devotes their time.