Supervisor Roy Wilson Resigns Because Of Health Reasons
RIVERSIDE – Riverside County Supervisor Roy Wilson resigned because of what he described as “a sudden decline in my health and the need for treatment.”
Wilson recommended that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger appoint Sen. John Benoit, R-Bermuda Dunes, to replace him.
“My years as your supervisor have been wonderful years for me, both professionally and personally,” the 74-year-old Wilson wrote in his resignation letter. “I am grateful for the continuing support and trust that you, the voters, have given me all these years.
“I extend my sincere thanks to my wife, family, friends and colleagues who have guided and supported my efforts for the 4th District. Especially I thank my incredible staff. Their energy, commitment and competence have been the key to the success of my service to you.”
Board Chair Jeff Stone told the Los Angeles Times he was saddened by Wilson’s resignation.
“Roy Wilson’s dedication and courage in representing his district has been an example for anyone who holds public office,” Stone told The Times in a story posted on its Web site. “This county is a much better place because Roy was a member of the Board of Supervisors.”
Wilson was elected to represent the Fourth District in 1994 and re-elected to a fourth term in 2006. His term runs through 2010.
Before being elected as a supervisor, Wilson served 17 1/2 years on the Palm Desert City Council, including four one-year terms as mayor.
Wilson was also a professor and administrator at College of the Desert for 27 1/2 years. His teaching focused on journalism and was induced into the Community College Journalism Association’s Hall of Fame in 1995.
The Fourth District covers the eastern two-thirds of Riverside County. It includes Palm Spring, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, Coachella and Blythe.
Unincorporated areas in the district include Bermuda Dunes, Thousand Palms, Sky Valley, Desert Edge, Mecca, Thermal, Oasis, Vista Santa Rosa, North Shore, Desert Center, Lake Tamarisk, Mesa Verde and Ripley.
