Godfrey Explains Decision

City Councilman Peter Godfrey on Monday gave his reasons for not seeking reelection in November.

“I am a citizen-politician, not a professional legislator,” he said in a statement. “It is time, for now, to return full time to my law practice.”

Godfrey, a trial attorney, was elected two years ago to replace one of three recalled council members. The ousted officials--former Mayor A.B. Buck Catlin, Councilman Don Bankhead and former Councilwoman Molly McClanahan--were targeted because they voted to levy a utility tax.

McClanahan has since been appointed to serve as a trustee of the North Orange County Community College District and Bankhead was reelected just weeks after he was ousted.

Godfrey said he ran for his two-year term on the council to “heal the city after the turmoil of the recall.”

He said he is pleased with the job he has done. He cited his votes that lead to the repeal of the utility tax, the development of the downtown transportation center and the adoption of a master plan for Hillcrest Park.

In the upcoming council election, Godfrey said he will support F. Richard Jones, a local plastic surgeon who has entered the race, and City Clerk Audrey Culver. Culver is being challenged by Stuart Stitch, who failed to get elected to a council seat in the last election.

Other candidates who have filed papers to run for office include: incumbents Julie Sa and Mayor Chris Norby; Brent Hardwick, a city transportation commissioner; and Robert E. McNutt, a local business owner.

Several other residents have obtained nomination papers but have not filed. They include: W. Snow Hume, Cliff Berning, David Zenger, Micheal Mummert and Barbara Marr.

Former Mayor Linda LeQuire took out papers but has dropped out and will serve as Jones’ campaign manager.