<div class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Times New Roman">Dear residents, </font></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Times New Roman">I have the regrettable duty to inform the town that at last night's legislative meeting Councilmember Novella Sargusingh announced that she is resigning her seat to concentrate her energies on recovering her health.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The resignation will be effective September 15.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>For those of you who know her, you understand what a difficult decision it was for her to step down. She has been a determined community activist since moving to Riverdale, and ran for office several times before winning the Ward 3 seat in May 2005.
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Times New Roman">Novella suffered several severe injuries from a fall in her home that took place nearly a year ago. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She has had the added misfortune of having numerous complications since.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I'm sure all of you will join us at Town Hall in wishing her the best as she strives to regain the strength and energy she had before her accident.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Times New Roman">Because Novella's seat is being vacated in the final nine months of her term, the Town Charter calls for the mayor to nominate a replacement that must be approved by the town council.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I will welcome applications from any person qualified to hold the office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The Charter requires: </font></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><font face="Times New Roman">"A council member shall be at least 25 years of age and a citizen of the United States. He [or she] shall have resided within the corporate limits of the town for at least six (6) months immediately preceding election and shall be a qualified voter of the ward from which elected."
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Times New Roman">I will in particular hope to find a candidate that has experience or knowledge that would help in the oversight of the Public Works Department, as the person will almost certainly be made Chair of the Public Works Committee.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Anyone wishing to be considered for the nomination should submit a letter of intent and a resume to me at Town Hall, or via e-mail.</font></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Times New Roman">Again, best wishes to Novella and her family as she strives to regain her health.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></font></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Times New Roman">Sincerely,</font></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Times New Roman">Vernon Archer, Mayor</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Times New Roman">Town of Riverdale Park</font></p>