Dear Friends and Neighbors,

                After six years of serving as the Ward Two council member, I will be stepping down in the fall.  I have greatly enjoyed serving this community and I deeply appreciate all of the support you have provided me over the years.  I have made many good friends and we have accomplished much together.  Takoma Park is a great place to live, work, go to school and have a family.  We are poised to move forward as an economically strong, green and family friendly community, rich with diversity, and a place where everyone can feel welcome.  I’d like to thank all of the city staff, fellow elected officials and community volunteers who make this city such a great place to call home. 

                I know politicians usually say why they are leaving office.  The truth is, there is no one reason.  I have owned a sail boat for over four years which I have never put in the water.  I own enough drum sets, guitars and keyboards for two garage bands, but I never play anymore.  I signed my youngest daughter Piper up for swim team this year, but never made it to a meet.  My children are asking me to spend time with them, and are disappointed when I say I can’t.  That won’t always be the case, so I am going to make the time to spend with them now, while I have it, and they want to be with me.  I will still work on community issues, but I will be more focused in my efforts.  So, I won’t be spending time thinking about what an appropriate fee would be for a parking meter, but I will remain as chair of the Takoma Park Folk Festival.  Oh, and that whole day job I have.  I’m still doing that.

                I look forward to working with the council and staff after recess to finish out several pieces of unfinished business, so that the new council (and it will be new with at least three new members) can get a fresh start.   In the mean time, I’m taking my kids to Hawaii for three weeks to get a jump start on that whole spending time together thing, so if you need anything in August, please contact Mayor Williams or City Manager Barbara Matthews.

                Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving as your council member.  I have truly appreciated and enjoyed the opportunity.

                                Colleen Clay

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

                After six years of serving as the Ward Two council member, I will be stepping down in the fall.  I have greatly enjoyed serving this community and I deeply appreciate all of the support you have provided me over the years.  I have made many good friends and we have accomplished much together.  Takoma Park is a great place to live, work, go to school and have a family.  We are poised to move forward as an economically strong, green and family friendly community, rich with diversity, and a place where everyone can feel welcome.  I’d like to thank all of the city staff, fellow elected officials and community volunteers who make this city such a great place to call home. 

                I know politicians usually say why they are leaving office.  The truth is, there is no one reason.  I have owned a sail boat for over four years which I have never put in the water.  I own enough drum sets, guitars and keyboards for two garage bands, but I never play anymore.  I signed my youngest daughter Piper up for swim team this year, but never made it to a meet.  My children are asking me to spend time with them, and are disappointed when I say I can’t.  That won’t always be the case, so I am going to make the time to spend with them now, while I have it, and they want to be with me.  I will still work on community issues, but I will be more focused in my efforts.  So, I won’t be spending time thinking about what an appropriate fee would be for a parking meter, but I will remain as chair of the Takoma Park Folk Festival.  Oh, and that whole day job I have.  I’m still doing that.

                I look forward to working with the council and staff after recess to finish out several pieces of unfinished business, so that the new council (and it will be new with at least three new members) can get a fresh start.   In the mean time, I’m taking my kids to Hawaii for three weeks to get a jump start on that whole spending time together thing, so if you need anything in August, please contact Mayor Williams or City Manager Barbara Matthews.

                Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving as your council member.  I have truly appreciated and enjoyed the opportunity.

                                Colleen Clay