Battle Ground mayor to resign seat

Battle Ground’s Mayor Lisa Walters announced Monday night she is resigning her office as of Sept. 1.

In a short email to the council, Walters said, “I have informed (city manager) John Williams that I will resign from council on September 1, 2013. It has come time for me to move on and make some personal changes in my life, one big one will be moving out of the area. Thank you all for all you have done to help me along the way and I appreciate each and every one of you.”

“I’m surprised. I wish her well,” said Councilman Bill Ganley. He is the senior member of the council with a 20-year tenure. Ganley served as mayor from 1997 to 2001.

“I think she’s done a good job,” Ganley added.

Walters, 48, was first elected to the city council in 2001.

Ganley noted that the mayor is elected from among the seven council members, not by the city’s voters.

The council elected Walters to a two-year term as mayor in January 2012.

In May, Walters filed for re-election and drew one opponent, Mike Dalesandro. Walters’ name will still appear on the November ballot.

Dalesandro said Monday that he was surprised by Walters’ resignation. Since she cited personal reasons, he wants to respect her privacy. He said he wishes her well.

With 17,920 residents, Battle Ground is Clark County’s third-largest city.

An effort to reach Walters on Monday night was unsuccessful.

Stephanie Rice: 360-735-4508 or stephanie.rice@columbian.com.