Mayor Simmons' Statement on Passing of Councillor Joan Pickett

Dear Friends, 

It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that City Councillor Joan Pickett passed away late last night following a brief illness. The family appreciates everyone’s thoughts and well-wishes at this difficult time, and news of a memorial service shall be made available to the public in the days to come. 

I have alerted our City Manager, our Deputy City Manager, and the Chair of the Election Commission about Councillor Pickett’s passing. When there is news as to the mechanics of determining who shall fill this vacancy on the Council, and as to a timeline of that process, we shall work to get this information to the public as quickly and as thoughtfully as possible. We thank you for your patience and your grace as we process the loss of our friend and colleague, and as we work to continue onward with the business of governing.
 
Mayor E. Denise Simmons