By: Lydia Crawley
The Parsons Advocate
After 16 years of service, Parsons’ longest running Mayor has submitted her letter of recommendation to the Parsons City Council.
In a letter dated October 10 and addressed to the Acting Mayor and City Council, Judy wrote, “It has been my pleasure serving the City of Parsons for the past 16 years. First, as their City Recorder and now as Mayor. Together, we’ve built a safer and more vibrant community and created many recreational opportunities for our citizens as well as our visitors. We protected our city throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, provided our residents with positive leadership, and our downtown is finally coming back. We have truly transformed Parsons into the beautiful city it is today.”
Judy cites health as her reason for resignation. “Due to a recent diagnosis, I have become aware that my illness will require extended treatment and recovery,” Judy wrote, “and I am unsure that my ability to perform the duties of my present position will return. Unfortunately, my health has to come first, and that means I need to tenure my resignation. I do not make this choice lightly, but after consultation with my doctor and family, I find I have to do so. Therefore, I must inform you that I will resign from the Office of Mayor of the City of Parsons, effective at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, October 13, 2023.”
In her letter, Judy thanked the City. “However, there is no doubt that together, we delivered for the people of Parsons,” Judy wrote. “I will always be grateful to all of my partners in City government: City Council (past and present), Jason Myers, Aggie Arnold, and especially, the City employees who work tirelessly because they believe in our community. I am also thankful to our partners at the State and Federal government levels. Parsons is truly at its best when we come together and my tenure as Mayor has certainly benefited from that.”
Judy thanked the citizens of Parsons for their support over the years. “Again, I would like to thank the citizens for believing in me and allowing me to serve as the longest serving Mayor in the history of Parsons,” Judy wrote. “This is not goodbye, but more like see you later. Parsons will always hold a special place in my heart. If I can ever be of assistance to the City in anyway, please don’t hesitate to contact me.”
Also outlined in Judy’s letter, she listed the achievements Parsons has made. “In every corner of our city, not just downtown, we have new life, new jobs, and a renewed sense of community,” Judy wrote. “We’ve delivered innovative solutions to rebuild our town through partnerships with state and not-for-profit organizations.”
Judy also wrote of the need to focus on the positive. “I do not believe at moments like this that we should reflect and focus on the negative,” Judy wrote. “Instead, we should remain grateful for all the Lord has allowed us to accomplish and humbled by the opportunities He continues to present us. That is truly where I am today. Grateful for His blessings and humbled by His generosity. Ultimately, I will let history judge my tenure as Mayor and all that we have experienced. I have been truly blessed and rest assured in my faith for all our futures.”
Council Member Kathy DiBacco made a motion at the regular City of Parsons Council meetingto accept the resignation. The motion was seconded by Council Member Melissa Jones. “I make a motion to accept her resignation and wish her well,” Di Bacco said. “And that her health improves.” The motion was unanimous.
Council Member Tim Auvil read the letter to the council at the meeting. “I felt that needed read,” Auvil said. “I have respect for her long tenure and service and dedication. She deserved this kind of respect and acknowledgment and recognition.”
“She served this city well,” Acting Mayor Bruce Kolsun said.
