David Kelly, Eugene city councilor for the University area, announced Monday that he will not seek a third term on the council. Kelly has served as Ward 3 city councilor since 1998.
Kelly said in a statement that during his time on the council, he has “worked diligently to serve the people of my ward and of Eugene,” and he “will continue to do so in my remaining months in office.”
Kelly’s second term will expire in January 2007. Elections for the seat will be in November 2006.
Kelly currently serves on the Human Rights Commission and Budget Committee as a councilor, and he previously served on the boards of the West University Neighbors and the Laurel Hill Valley Citizens.
Kelly supported the recently passed external police review, supports adding gender identity to the city’s anti-discrimination ordinance and worked to enact the city’s new housing code.
He said in his statement: “I look forward to serving our community in other ways in the future.”
Kelly wouldn’t comment Monday about his reasons for not seeking reelection. He has previously told the Emerald his work on the council has affected his work as a teacher at Lane Community College.
City councilors earn a salary of about $1,000 per month, and some work other jobs to supplement their incomes.
So far, only one candidate has stepped forward to run for Kelly’s seat – former Eugene Budget Committee chairman Bruce Mulligan.
In his statement, Kelly invited any possible candidates to contact him to discuss the job, but he did not mention Mulligan.
“I hope that someone who shares my values, my commitment to this community and the determination to make a difference will step forward to run for the position,” Kelly said in the statement. “Such an individual would receive my strong support.”
Mulligan said he has not spoken with Kelly about the position yet but feels he has a good understanding of the work load of a city councelor from his six years as a member of the budget committee.
Mulligan didn’t decide to run because of dislike for the way Kelly was doing his job; rather, he chose to seek the office to highlight issues that are important to him, Mulligan said.
“I’m not dissatisfied with David,” Mulligan said. “I wanted to get these issues out.”
Mulligan hopes to improve access to health care for low-income individuals and to set up a committee to examine projects and funding options for park area in Eugene.
Mulligan, a Eugene resident since 1980, also sees this as an opportunity to continue to serve his city.
“I really love the city, and it’s something I want to do to give back,” Mulligan said.
Mulligan said he respects anyone who would take on the work of a councilor.
“My hat’s off to anyone who serves,” Mulligan said. “It’s a lot of work for not much more than a ‘Thank you.’”

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