Ches. councilman to not seek third term

WAVY TV

Updated: Dec 29, 2011 4:36 PM

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) — In a statement released Dec. 29, Clifton E. Hayes announces he will not seek re-election to a third term on Chesapeake City Council.

The statement from Hayes is below:

"After much deliberation, I have decided that I will not seek a third term on the Chesapeake City Council. I take very seriously the time commitment required for serving as a city council member and board member with regional organizations.

My daughter is 13-years-old and in the seventh grade at Crestwood Middle School. She is a straight-A student and a gifted athlete, and I am extremely proud of her. It is important that I spend quality time with my daughter and to make sure that I am full there for the sake of my entire family. Additionally, I have recently been selected to attend the Carnegie Mellon University for educational training as a certified chief information officer. This will require a significant time commitment and effort. I am glad that Sheriff John Newhart and Undersheriff Jim O'Sullivan are supportive of my seeking this professional designation in information technology.

A long-time supporter and former Chesapeake Mayor Bill Ward has always encouraged me to place family and career development first. Bill Ward states in this instance, 'I feed that this is a career development opportunity Cliff Hayes can not pass up.'

I have enjoyed my eight years on city council and consider it a high honor and privilege to have been elected twice by the citizens of Chesapeake.

However, at this stage of my life, I feel it is more important that I devote the time necessary to both my family and my professional career development. When I was first elected, my daughter was five years old. Time passes by very quickly, and she is now in her formative years as a teenager. I want to thank my family for their encouragement and many sacrifices during my eight years of service on the city council.

I think that it is appropriate and fair for me to publicly announce my decision now before the candidate filing period for the 2012 election cycle begins. Although this announcement may seem early to some, I want every good potential candidate for city council to have adequate time to give full consideration to running for the seat I will vacate on June 30, 2012.

I pledge to complete my term on city council with the same commitment and energy as I have given since first being elected in 2004.

I again want to thank the citizens of Chesapeake for allowing me to serve as a member of city council. I have an will continue to treasure my time representing the great people of Chesapeake."

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