POTTSVILLE, Pa. — Only three years into his term, Pottsville Mayor Dave Clews announced Thursday that he had decided to step down.
"I don't think I've spent as much time with tears in the past two weeks as I have because I'm just passionate about this, and it's difficult to step down from it," said Mayor Clews.
Clews decided to step down because of his heart. He felt like his health was stopping him from achieving what he set out to do as mayor.
"I've got a pacemaker and defibrillator, and I've got some other cardiac issues," explained Mayor Clews. "As it got deeper into my cardiac problems, I realized I could not achieve those goals with the added position of mayor in place."
Goals such as helping Pottsville's small businesses grow.
"He supports, tries to support as many businesses as he can, as he could, throughout his years as mayor. He'd come in here all the time shopping," said Joseph Drasdis, Owner of Drasdis and Son.
"He loves coming in here, and every time he comes in here, he's full of joy and laughter. He's pretty much just a friend," described John Challenger, Owner of the Crimson House.
Clews is now looking forward to spending time with his family.
"Enjoy some life, not say, 'Pappy can't make your ball game, or your soccer game, or your dance recital because I have a mayor thing to do,' and enjoy those types of things."
Clews announced he will be resigning effective October 14. The city council says they will meet soon to select an interim mayor.