Newark Mayor Vance Funk is resigning effective December 31 (that’s a lot of notice). He says that he is resigning due to health reasons. If health concerns are the reason, why isn’t he resigning right now, and not four and a half months from now?
In a letter sent to city officials Wednesday, Funk cited health reasons for his decision to leave effective December 31, blaming the campaign being waged against construction of a Wawa on South Main Street for growing health concerns.
“Quite frankly, I can no longer afford the adverse health consequences that come with my ever increasing blood pressure caused by the anti-Wawa campaign and the other issues before the city,” Funk wrote in his letter.
I can confirm that former City Councilman Ezra Temko has already disclaimed interest in the race. But others are making their interests known:
Councilman and Deputy Mayor Jerry Clifton, who had been considering a mayoral run, backed down when Funk [ran for a fourth term earlier this year].
“I always knew I wouldn’t run against Vance,” Clifton said at the time. “I don’t know anyone who would run against him. He’s just a likeable, popular guy.”
Clifton said Wednesday that “great things” have happened during Funk’s tenure, including the festivals and other events that have brought people downtown.