(July 20) APPLE VALLEY—Citing her hiring to a position in the San Diego County Land Use Services Division and her need to relocate, Apple Valley Town Councilwoman Ginger Coleman has resigned from her elected position effective July 26.
Coleman began work in government as a clerk typist for the city of Victorville’s fire department, worked for a dozen years in Victorville before going to work for two years in the planning department with the city of Adelanto, and then obtained a master’s degree in public administration at California State University, Domiguez Hills before going on to become the director of planning at Altech Engineering. In her resignation letter, she wrote  “I have been honored to serve my community. It is with sadness that I announce I will not be running in this election and that I will also be resigning from the town council, effective July 26, 2012. My last council meeting will be July 24th.”
Coleman’s letter continued, “The economy has adversely affected development for many years now, and every indication is that it will continue to do so for several years to come. As a professional land planner with a masters degree in public administration and lifelong Victor Valley resident, this is not a decision I have reached easily; however, while serving the community is a noble cause, ultimately my family must come first. Therefore, I have accepted a position in San Diego County. Neither this position nor the commute allows me time to perform the duties of a council member in a way that would benefit Apple Valley.”
Town officials are now contemplating their options for replacing Coleman, who was first elected to the council in November 2008 and would have needed to stand for reelection this year to remain in office.
The state’s election code provides the town council with the authority to appoint Coleman’s replacement for the remainder of her current term, which will elapse in December. Such an appointment would give the appointee the opportunity to run as an incumbent in the November election, which can be considered an advantage. The council can also keep the position vacant until after the election is held.