Cross Steps Down, Silverthorne Voted Onto Council

Longterm council member Joan Cross stepped down from her seat in City Hall last night for health reasons. An 18-year veteran of the council will take her place.

Mayor Robert Lederer broke the news during the city council meeting last night. Cross' seat stood empty.

"To the citizens of the City of Fairfax,

Serving on the City of Fairfax council has been a tremendous honor. It is therefore with extreme regret I must assign effective June 30, 2011 due to ill health. In my current circumstances I do not believe I can perform my duties in a manner worthy of our fine city and its citizens. It has been absolute pleasure working with the Mayor and the council, I've appreciated their insights, dedication and vision for the city. My gratitude extends also to Mr. Sisson and the city staff for their work each day to ensure the city remains unique.

Thank you for your trust and confidence these past nine years."

Consultant R. Scott Silverthorne, a former 18-year member of Fairfax City Council, will take Cross' place on the council until her term expires on June 30, 2012. Voters will get a chance to keep Silverthorne or put someone else in the seat during the city's general election next May.

City code requires a majority vote from the council to fill a vacant council member seat. Silverthorne was accepted unanimously.

Lederer took a moment to applaud Cross' efforts in marketing and supporting tourism in the city.

"I will always remember Joan for her tireless effort in putting the best face forward for the City of Fairfax," he said. "She's been an incredible supporter of our business community."

Council member Dan Drummond blogged about her resignation.

"Joan is someone I truly admire as a person who stuck to her principles, her word and her convictions," he wrote.

Check back for updates as this story develops.