Long resigns from Leesburg City Council
Leesburg Council Member Debra Long turns in letter of resignation
By Gypsy Crow
LEESBURG — City Council Member Debra Long served the citizens of Leesburg in her final council meeting on Tuesday night.
Long delivered her formal letter of resignation to Leesburg City Manager Bob Alexander Tuesday morning. Alexander read the letter “with regrets” during the evening meeting.
“It is with great regret that I need to inform you of my resignation from the City Council,” Long wrote. “I have appreciated both being a part of the council and serving as a representative of the city of Leesburg in various arenas that have helped to make it the city that it is today.
“The opportunities that have been provided to me as a council member over the many years have not only enhanced my pride for Leesburg, but they have also deepened my respect for all of those that have worked and who will continue to work so very hard to make it such a wonderful place to live, work and call home. It has been with great honor that I have served not only the constituents that graciously elected me, but also served as part of the small but continuously growing town that I’ve been fortunate enough to call my home.”
Long included her pride for Leesburg’s “hometown stars and heroes” in her letter of resignation. She wrote that she has always known that Leesburg is a “special place” with “incredibly talented and hardworking people.”
She also expressed her appreciation for all of the employees of the city of Leesburg and their families.
“I’ve witnesses true growth, both personally and professionally, in the employees over the years, and I will truly miss the friends that I have made here,” Long wrote. “I will always remain an avid supporter of Leesburg and of each and every employee, as well as the residents that make it the great city it is.
“Sadly, however, since I will be relocating to south Florida in the near future, I do wish to resign effective immediately. I want to extend my sincerest appreciation to the entire council for their support and leadership (they’ve) provided to the city of Leesburg and to the city for allowing me to serve as your representative along with them.”
She closed the letter, “Best wishes and Merry Christmas.”
Long said that moving is “what I have to do” and promised to return and visit.
“I’ve had a good time,” Long said. “We’ve had good times, we’ve had bad times, but we’ve done what’s best for the city.”
Leesburg Council Member Bob Wilson, who has worked alongside Long on the council for the longest amount of time, told her that it had been a pleasure working with her and that she would be missed.
Asked if would like to say anything to the people of Leesburg, she thought for a moment before saying, “I felt honored to be able to represent the city for 31 years. We work for the citizens. That’s the reason we’re here. I love Leesburg. I grew up here, I went to school here and it’s just time for me to move.”
Long said she will move to Florida some time later this month.
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