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Dove Mayor withdraws from campaign By Chris Strunk Last Updated: October 17, 2019 Valley Center Mayor Laurie Dove will not seek re-election. Dove, who had filed to retain the position and whose name will remain on the November ballot, issued a statement Oct. 11 saying she had a change of heart and has decided to step down when a new mayor takes office in January 2020. City council member Lou Cicirello is the only other candidate running for the seat and will become mayor barring a successful write-in campaign. Dove has served one term as mayor and was previously elected to the city council. Dove, who oversaw the construction of a long-discussed community center and library and some of the largest infrastructure projects in the city's history and worked with three different city administrators along the way, said she wanted to spend more time with her family. Dove said she enjoys being mayor. "It has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to serve as the mayor of Valley Center," she said in a statement. "In many ways, large and small, I have witnessed the citizens of this community care about one another and the future of Valley Center. The ability to be a part of the largest infrastructure projects in Valley Center's history, as well as the construction of a new community center and library, has been a highlight of my service as mayor. I am most grateful for the people I have gotten to know, including caring citizens and dedicated staff. I especially enjoyed speaking with our youngest citizens at their excellent schools." Dove said she fully supports Cicirello and is confident in new City Administrator Brent Clark. "It was a difficult decision, but I know the next four years will bring several changes to my family and I would like to spend more time with my very supportive husband, Chad — also known as ‘The First Gentleman of Valley Center' — our lovely children and our dear aging parents," Dove said. Dove said she also will be kept busy completing a graduate degree through Harvard University and continuing her work as a professional writer. "Thank you, all, for your support of and vision for Valley Center," she said. "I say it often because it is true: Valley Center is an incredible place to live." |
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