SANTA PAULA : Ely Will Not Seek Reelection to Council

Citing a need to finish school and spend more time with her family, first-term Councilwoman Margaret A. Ely said Wednesday that she will not seek reelection to the Santa Paula City Council.

“My life is too hectic,” said Ely, 48, a Ventura College student who plans to transfer to Cal State Northridge to pursue a psychology degree. “I’m still a single mother. I’m trying to go to school and work, and that requires a lot more time than I have.”

Ely, who works as an assistant in the Ventura County public defender’s office, said she is proud of the city’s accomplishments since her election in 1990.

“It’s been a wonderful experience,” she said. “In the four years I’ve been on the council, we’ve done some of the best things the city has ever seen.”

Ely cited an increase in senior housing, the newly opened VISTA bus service, establishment of more citizen advisory panels and an update of the General Plan as some of the accomplishments during her tenure.

“All the things I had hoped would come to pass, have,” she said.

So far, no one else has taken out nomination papers to run for the vacant seat, the city clerk said. Incumbents John Melton and Wayne D. Johnson, however, both have begun their reelection efforts.