CRESWELL – Citing “undue stress that recent events have caused,” Creswell mayor Amy Knudsen has resigned, effective Aug. 13.
“My position as an elected official is having a negative impact on (my family) and I need to place our family first in my priorities,” Knudsen said in a resignation letter to the city manager and councilors.
She has been in local government for five years. After serving on city council and as council president, she was elected into the two-year position in November 2020. In Knudsen’s full statement, she said:
“Please accept this as my formal resignation from City Council as of Aug.13, 2021. This has been a long and difficult decision for me, but I feel it is the best decision. The past five years on City Council has been a great experience overall. I have enjoyed working on goals and plans that ensure our city is a safe, livable, and attractive community, and I am proud of what I have accomplished. I believe the work City Council does is important and I know the Council will keep doing the hard work necessary to make our city the best it can be. But I personally cannot keep working on plans and policies with the undue stress that recent events have caused me and my family. The last year has been very difficult for many families, and ours is no exception. I ran for City Council to serve my community and to be an example to my young children by showing them how to get involved in their community. But my position as an elected official is having a negative impact on them and I need to place our family first in my priorities.”
I want to thank every Councilor and Mayor I have served with over the years. Thank you for volunteering your time and energy and getting the work done. Thank you to City staff, it has been a pleasure to be amongst professionals that keep our city running smoothly and effectively. I wish all of you the best.”
Knudsen is the second mayor in a row to resign in Creswell. Former mayor Richard Zettervall resigned in September 2020 after community reaction intensified following equity and inclusion discussions.
Knudsen did not return a message from The Chronicle for comment.
This story is developing. More information will be released as it becomes available.
