Colburn resigns from city council

Minutes after being sworn in as Langley city councilman Wednesday night, outgoing Mayor Neil Colburn announced his resignation from the council effective Jan. 1.

In making the surprise move, Colburn cited his desire to focus his efforts on his restaurant, the Clover Patch Café.

“It is with mixed emotions that I now tender my resignation from Position 2,” he told the council at its meeting on Dec. 19. “I’m not ruling out running again someday.”

In his announcement, Colburn also mentioned the recent resignation of Rick Hill, the city’s public works director, and the upcoming departure of City Administrator Walt Blackford.

“With Rick, Walt and I leaving there’s a loss of institutional memory, but it’s time for new blood,” Colburn said.

Colburn served as councilman for 14 years and was mayor of the Village by the Sea for another four years.

Assuring incoming Mayor Paul Samuelson he’ll be available to help the transition, Colburn said it had been both a privilege and an honor to serve the community.