In Resignation Letter, Newark's Mayor Vance Funk Blames Anti-Wawa Campaign And Other City Issues For Health Woes

Update: (Newark Post) Josh Shannon has more ~

Councilman Mark Morehead left open the possibility that Funk could retract his resignation prior to the effective date, especially if the Wawa issue is resolved by then.
“It’s Vance. There’s no other way to say that,” Morehead said. “I’d welcome him back with open arms.”
[City Secretary Renee] Bensley said the city solicitor is researching whether a resignation can be retracted.

Big News! Newarkers will be losing our often-outspoken city leader. I got a call this morning waking me up to let me know the news was on WDEL.

(News Journal) Melissa Nann Burke reports ~ Newark Mayor Funk to retire at end of year 

Funk did not return calls for comment. In his letter – addressed to “the friends of our city” – Funk thanked “all those who have shared my dreams for the City of Newark.” He added that that group doesn’t include his neighborhood, which sits behind the controversial Wawa site. “It’s a sad way to end,” Funk wrote. “I want to live and see my grandchildren grow up.”.......City officials are unsure of the future of the Wawa project, which has never been submitted in final plans to Newark.
........A group called the South Main Street Coalition for Safety is distributing lawn signs declaring “No More Gas Pumps” and sharing their opposition with city leaders, said Carol R. McKelvey, who hosts coalition meetings at her home. Funk’s home on Beverly Road is surrounded by properties staked with the signs, McKelvey said. “He can’t go for a walk without seeing a sign, which can’t make him happy,” she said. “I’m sorry that it’s caused him to feel agitated. We’ve always been appreciative of the hard work that Mayor Funk has done. The bottom line is that it’s only a group of people who very strongly feel that gas pumps are inappropriate for that site.”
City Councilman Stu Markham said he was “disheartened” to learn of Funk’s decision........."Unfortunately, some people don’t want to have a reasonable conversation, and that makes it difficult when you’re a small community. You think you’d be respectful of your neighbors, even if they’re elected officials.”

uhm, hey Stu Markham, there is nothing disrespectful or unreasonable about posting yard signs in opposition to an intrusive commercial rezoning. I am sorry if Vance Funk doesn't like it but don't shoot the messenger here, Councilman.....free speech 'n all....

Plus, I have to wonder if "other issues before the city" that are causing the Mayor's recent angst have something to do with how poorly the city has handled the UD STAR campus' proposed utility-scale natural gas power plant.

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