Mayor Sanders Will Not Run for Re-Election in Sonoma

The anticlimax came at the beginning of the on Monday night, not at the end.

, two-term city council member and current , confirmed she would not be running for a third term this year, and would be leaving city government.

"This is the one that many people have been waiting for, " she said with some self-depreciation, "my decision is not to run for a third term.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment, the ups and the downs of the past eight years," she continued. "It's been a tremendous honor. "

There had been speculation for some weeks that Sanders would not seek re-election, and when the without her informing city clerk Gay Johann of her intent, some sort of announcement at the city council meeting was anticipated.

"The demands of being in public office can be totally overwhelming," she said. She referred in particular to the past year, when she sought to expand her political career by in the June primary election. She had to settle for .

She also alluded to her family life, and the struggles of her business which has, she said, "weathered a tremendous storm" in the past few years of economic trial.

"I wish everyone the best," she said. "I look forward to fulfilling the last months of this office with the same enthusiasm, 110%, as I have given the past eight years."

Councilmember applauded her service as well as her decision, saying it opened up the door to others who wish to be of service to the community.

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