EDMONDS — City Councilman Dave Orvis has announced plans to resign from the council at the end of the month so he can spend more time with his family.
Orvis, 42, is in the midst of his third four-year council term that expires Dec. 31, 2011.
Last month, a Snohomish County jury acquitted him following a trial on charges that he assaulted his son during a dispute over homework in 2009.
“As you are all well aware, my family is facing many challenges,” he wrote on his blog, where he publicly announced his plans Thursday. “I have determined that I cannot simultaneously rise to the challenges at home and rise to the challenges of serving as a council member. Therefore, I must choose, and I choose my family.”
His last day is May 31.
Fellow councilman Michael Plunkett, who’s served many years with Orvis, called him a politician who “doesn’t get personal, he just speaks to the issues.”
“Dave and I have generally been on the same side of more issues than not,” he said.
A software engineer, Orvis has been a staunch proponent of historic preservation. He led a successful effort to keep casinos out of the city.
Orvis was first elected in 2000 and won re-election to a third term in 2007.
By law, the council must appoint someone to complete the rest of Orvis’ term.
Earlier this year, the council appointed Diane Buckshnis, a candidate in last year’s council race, to fill the seat vacated by the death of councilwoman Peggy Pritchard Olson in November 2009.
Oscar Halpert: 425-339-3429, ohalpert@heraldnet.com.
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