Published: Wednesday, January 16, 2013, 12:01 a.m.
Granite Falls mayor may resign
Haroon Saleem says health problems could prompt his resignation before his term ends in December.
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GRANITE FALLS -- The mayor of Granite Falls says he may have to resign because of health problems.
Mayor Haroon Saleem made the announcement during a City Council meeting earlier this month, City Clerk Darla Reese said. At the time, council members were discussing which of them should be appointed mayor pro tempore.
Saleem told them that whoever accepts the appointment should understand that he may have to resign before his term ends in December, Reese said.
The council voted twice on appointing a mayor pro tempore, but the vote split both times 2-2, with one council member absent, Reese said. They plan to discuss the issue and vote again at the next meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Granite Falls Library.
Saleem on Monday said he was diagnosed with a seizure disorder in recent years. Doctors aren't sure what might trigger another seizure for him, he said.
He also had bypass surgery about six years ago, among other health concerns, he said. His doctors believe some of his health problems are weather-related, he said.
Some of his medications and health issues make him groggy and unable to drive safely, he said. He can make meetings in town when his wife can drive him, but it would be difficult for him to attend conferences or other events outside the city.
Saleem became mayor in 2009, Reese said. He was elected to a four-year term.
The next mayoral election in Granite Falls is scheduled for the fall. Saleem said he does not plan to run again.
For now, Saleem said he is working with his doctors and hopes to continue serving as mayor for at least a few more months.
"I have made a commitment and I would like to finish it, but it would not serve the citizens well if I am not at 100 percent and cannot serve them well," he said.
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com
Mayor Haroon Saleem made the announcement during a City Council meeting earlier this month, City Clerk Darla Reese said. At the time, council members were discussing which of them should be appointed mayor pro tempore.
Saleem told them that whoever accepts the appointment should understand that he may have to resign before his term ends in December, Reese said.
The council voted twice on appointing a mayor pro tempore, but the vote split both times 2-2, with one council member absent, Reese said. They plan to discuss the issue and vote again at the next meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Granite Falls Library.
Saleem on Monday said he was diagnosed with a seizure disorder in recent years. Doctors aren't sure what might trigger another seizure for him, he said.
He also had bypass surgery about six years ago, among other health concerns, he said. His doctors believe some of his health problems are weather-related, he said.
Some of his medications and health issues make him groggy and unable to drive safely, he said. He can make meetings in town when his wife can drive him, but it would be difficult for him to attend conferences or other events outside the city.
Saleem became mayor in 2009, Reese said. He was elected to a four-year term.
The next mayoral election in Granite Falls is scheduled for the fall. Saleem said he does not plan to run again.
For now, Saleem said he is working with his doctors and hopes to continue serving as mayor for at least a few more months.
"I have made a commitment and I would like to finish it, but it would not serve the citizens well if I am not at 100 percent and cannot serve them well," he said.
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com
Story tags » • Granite Falls • Local
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