(EVANSVILLE, IN)- Earlier today, Councilman Royce Sutton issued this statement:
"Recently, I accepted a new professional opportunity with my company, Fifth Third Bank, that will require me to relocate my family to the St. Louis area. This is a tremendous opportunity for my family and I did not want to let it pass. With this great professional opportunity, however, comes the uneasy reality of leaving family, friends and the place where I was reared and nurtured. Evansville is where Lori and I have raised our 4 wonderful children - Taryn, Quinn, Austin and William. Also, it is here where I have been given a wonderful place to worship, serve the community, lead new initiatives, and make a difference in the community, in so many ways.
Since 1992, I have been blessed to serve this community as its Third District Vanderburgh County Councilman. I was re-elected four times and in 2006, I garnered 64% of the vote. During my tenure on the council, I led the implementation of the Initiative Based Assistance Program that has provided vital childcare assistance to over 4,000 working families since 1997. Working moms and dads with modest incomes have greatly benefitted from this wise use of Riverboat Gaming revenue. My efforts with former Councilman and present Commissioner Lloyd Winnecke to create an affordable Dental Clinic became a reality in 2006. The clinic as aided over 3,000 families who need dental care but who otherwise lack insurance.
In the community, I have been fortunate to lead or be an instrumental part of organizing key initiatives like the Joshua Academy, the United Negro College Fund, the Urban League Study Group, Front Door Pride, and Bank On Evansville.
I would have never imagined that this community would have afforded me the chance to serve in public office for over 17 years when I first entered politics in 1991 as an unknown City Council candidate. Over the years, I have found a conscientious, cooperative spirit on the County Council that has enabled me as one of the Democratic minority party members to strategically work with the Republican majority party members to keep property tax rates low, expand economic development opportunities and ensure that the county is fiscally sound. This makes me confident in the county's future.
However, I do firmly believe that the community benefits from a periodic, natural turnover in its leadership. It is this turnover that allows for fresh new ideas to advance and for bold visions to be cast. So, it is now with mixed feelings that I realize that I will be unable to complete the platform that I developed for the coming campaign, yet I am excited about the prospects of continuing my community service in a different city.
I have tried to lead with integrity, honor, respect, honesty and with a goal of making things a little better for others who would follow. So, today I am officially announcing that I will no longer be a candidate for the Third District County Council seat and that, effective May 31st, I will resign my position on the County Council. I have truly enjoyed this experience and I pray blessings upon our great community."
