Dear Editor,
I want to let you know that I have decided not to run for re-election as Ridgway's Mayor.  My current term will end when a new mayor is sworn in Wednesday April 11, 12 years after I was first elected .  Words cannot describe how much I have enjoyed being part of the Ridgway team.  It's been one of the highlights of my life.  Ridgway's got a lot going for it.... starting with location, location , location, but matched by wonderful citizens, a great staff of employees, and a dedicated and hard working group of volunteers who have step up to serve on it's Councils, commissions and committees.  Together we have had a lot of ups, and for sure a few bumps, but I think we negotiated those bumps quite well, really.  The bottom line for me is that it has been a honor to have been Ridgway's Mayor for the past 12 years, and a pleasure to call you all friends.  It's now time for me to hand the gavel over to somebody else.
For me personally, I am certainly not going away.  With a little more free time, I want to pay more attention to our local efforts to revive the Sherbino Theater and turn it into a community-owned arts venue.  Likewise, I am planning on stepping up my participation with the Ridgway Summer Concert-in-the Park series to help raise the additional funds to build a permanent stage in Town Park.  And last but not least, I am contemplating a run for County Commissioner next fall as an Independent.  We'll see.  In the meantime, I thank God and my lucky stars that I get to live here.

Pat Willits
Future Ex-Mayor
Ridgway