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Lealman Fire accepts Carter's resignation
By ANNE LINDBERG
© St. Petersburg Times, LEALMAN -- Fire commissioners on Monday accepted the resignation of Bob Carter and appointed a veteran board member to fill his unexpired term. Citing ill health, Carter, 75, resigned July 19 in a two-paragraph letter. Carter had been absent from several Lealman Fire Commission meetings after he was hospitalized with heart problems. "Because of my health condition, I have decided it would be in the best interest of the community and fire department that I resign," Carter wrote. "As you may imagine, this is a very difficult decision for me. I have enjoyed my time at Lealman Fire and Rescue, and I believe we have made a difference in this community." His resignation was effective immediately. Commission member Mike Brophy said, "Our hearts are with him for his health, his well-being. ... We hope the best for his health and a good recovery." Lealman Fire Chief Rick Graham, who was with Carter when he signed the resignation, said Carter was looking forward to the future and hoped to be able to run for the commission again in the next election. "He was going to try to be here," Graham said. Carter also suggested in his resignation letter that commission members appoint Kathleen Litton to take his place on the commission. "I believe she is the most knowledgeable and fully informed candidate possible," Carter said. "She has my full support." Litton, 44, served on the Lealman Fire Board from 1996-2000 but decided not to run for the commission because she was caring for her father and thought she would not have the time to devote to the job. Since then, her father has died and she has more time. She had applied when the commission had another opening, but members chose Rebecca Harriman. When it appeared Carter would resign, Litton again applied. This time, she was successful as commission members unanimously voted to appoint her. "I think she's well informed as to what we've been through and what our intentions are," Brophy said. Harriman agreed and said, "She knows what's going on." Her term will expire in 2002.
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
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From the Times South Pinellas desks |
