Delray Beach Mayor Rita Ellis has announced she will not seek re-election to a second term in the March 2009 city election

 

By Dale M. King

CITY EDITOR

 

Delray Beach Mayor Rita Ellis, who suffered a serious foot injury in a fall last April, will not seek re-election to a second term in the March 2009 city election.  “Due to my most unfortunate accident and complications from the broken bones related to the injuries, I have been challenged to meet the commitments associated with the mayor’s position,” she said. “I now know I am facing additional reconstructive surgery and the associated recovery time.  Therefore, I am sadly letting you know I will not be seeking re-election to this position.”  Ellis said she suffered 10 broken bones in her foot when she fell from the stage at Old School Square while throwing Frisbees and t-shirt to those attending a city barbecue. “The commitments facing me regarding my health, business and family have filled my plate.  I will always be forever grateful to my fellow commissioners:  Montague, McDuffie, Eliopoulos, Fetzer and Bernard.  Their support to me personally and their loyalty to the city have made me so proud to be a member of this excellent team.”  Ellis was elected to the City Commission in 2005 and mayor in 2007.