Merced City Councilmember Ronnie De Anda, who represents District 2, announced his resignation during Monday night’s Merced City Council meeting.
“It’s not a rumor, it’s true,” De Anda told an unsuspecting public. “I’m leaving the council tonight.”
Mayor Matthew Serratto said the city council members sitting on the dais for months heard whispers about their colleague’s potential resignation.
De Anda, who is 84-years-old, cited health complications as the reason he is stepping down.
De Anda told the attending crowd of instances during previous council meetings when his memory faltered, citing side effects of a stroke.
“Serving District 2 has been the greatest honor of my life,” De Anda stated in a news release Monday night. “From walking alongside residents in my postal route to working with families on local initiatives, this journey has been both humbling and inspiring.”
“I love Merced. I love the people here,” he said.
District 2 residents elected De Anda for a four-year term in 2022. His vacancy will leave an open seat on the council.
“Merced loves you for sure,” Serratto said. “You’ve loved Merced, and Merced loved you back even more. You stepped up at a really critical time.”
The council will weigh a decision to either appoint someone to the vacancy or hold a special-election meeting, according to Serratto.
“The council will move forward with openness and fairness to make sure the people of District 2 continue to be well represented,” he stated in the news release.
De Anda’s last official day as council member is Oct. 31. The council will have 30 days from Nov. 3 to appoint a qualified representative for District 2.
