Resigning Newark, Del., mayor ends term even earlier

 (Photo courtesy City of Newark)

(Photo courtesy City of Newark)

Due to health concerns, Newark Mayor Vance Funk, III has decided to end his fourth term on Sept. 30, three months sooner than initially stated.

Funk said he upped the date to accommodate the necessary process to select a new mayor. 

“Considering that it is not in my best interest health-wise to attend the many meetings between now and the end of the year and to allow the election process to move forward in a timely fashion, I determined Sept. 30 to be an appropriate date for my term to end,” Mayor Funk said. 

Funk’s last act as mayor will be to host the 10th Annual Taste of Newark event later this month.

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While Funk admitted the strong community opposition to a super Wawa at the corner of South Main Street and Apple Road was taking a toll on his blood pressure, he said it was not the prime determining factor in his resignation.

“First and foremost, I always wanted to be able to do a good job for this community and it became evident that it was time for me to slow down and avoid the level of work that is necessary to be Newark’s mayor,” Funk said, adding, “My close friends and family are pleased with my decision.”

“While many have taken the news of Mayor Funk’s resignation as a surprise, those with whom I have spoken agree that our work can be stressful at times and that making adjustments to improve one’s overall health needs to be a priority,” City Manager Carol Houck said. “I feel sure that Vance will continue to play an active, if less formal, role in our community.”

In accordance with Mayor Funk’s term ending, city council plans to hold a special meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 30 to set the date for a special election that would be expected to be held on Nov. 26, 2013. These dates are consistent with the City of Newark charter provisions.

Mayor Funk, in the meantime, will be available to city council and city staff on an advisory capacity.

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