DENVER — Denver City Council member Sarah Parady announced Monday that she will be resigning from her position on Aug. 5.
Parady, an at-large-member, cited health and family priorities as reasons she will be stepping down.
On Monday, during a regular council meeting, an emotional Parady said she has been suffering from an undiagnosed illness.
“I won’t pretend to understand what’s exactly going on medically, because I don’t. But what I can tell you is that going up the stairs now is harder and more exhausting than going up a 14er,” Parody told other council members. “When I stand up from the committee table, the world spins on its axis. Everything hurts. Pain, fatigue. I don’t think there’s some undiagnosed, progressive illness that’s waiting in the wings for me.”
Parady is an at-large council member representing the whole city. She began her career at Colorado Legal Services and later co-founded a small public-interest law firm focused on representing Denver workers, according to an online bio.
In a statement, Mayor Mike Johnston praised Parady as “tireless advocate” for residents. His full statement is below:
“Councilwoman Parady is a tireless advocate for Denverites, bringing passion, conviction, and a deep sense of responsibility to every discussion and decision she is in. In particular, I have enjoyed working alongside her to create and preserve more affordable housing, and I will always value her partnership in protecting immigrants.
Public service requires dedication, resilience, and a willingness to stand up for your beliefs and the beliefs of your constituents. Councilwoman Parady has consistently demonstrated those qualities. And though we have sometimes viewed issues differently, I have never questioned her values or her deep desire to improve the lives of Denverites.
On behalf of Denver, I would like to thank Councilwoman Parady for her dedication and service to our city. I send my love to her and her family, as well as my hope of a swift return to full health.”
To fill her seat after Aug. 5, a special election will be held on Nov. 3, coinciding with the General Election, according to the city.
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