McDonald Councilman Peter Sudol, 43, has decided to end his second term a year early due to an illness that has taken away his voice.
In his resignation letter to Mayor Glenn Holmes, Sudol wrote, ''This is a sad and difficult day for me as I have so thoroughly enjoyed serving our beautiful village and its residents."
After nearly two years and numerous operations, chemotherapy and radiation treatments in Trumbull and Cleveland-area hospitals, the toll his illness has taken has convinced him it is time to give someone else an opportunity to serve. Sudol's resignation is effective Jan. 31.
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The Niles Times / Raymond L. Smith
McDonald Councilman Peter Sudol recently decided to end his second term on council due to illness. Sudol, who lost his voice to due cancer, now writes on a white board to communicate with others.
Prior to his time on council, Sudol served as village building inspector in 2004 and in 2005.
"I'm sad about his decision because he clearly loves the village," Holmes said. "He often talked about the history of the village and how it should be protected."
Although Sudol grew up in the Hilltop area of Weathersfield, he attended McDonald schools and lived in McDonald for most of his life. He is a U.S. Air Force veteran, having served four years active duty and six years in the reserves. He is a father of three who loves fishing, hunting and all outdoor activities.
Holmes describes his friend as a person who is knowledgeable on the issues and willing to listen to the opinions of others before taking positions.
"He is willing to listen," Holmes said. "That is good for the debate of ideas."
Sudol has been a prudent watcher of the village funds, Holmes said.
"He often will question how we will pay for projects," Councilman Richard Harvey said. "Pete's strength has been he is unafraid of offering new ideas."
Sudol, who now writes on a white board to communicate with others, said he believes council's success in the last six years can be seen in the number of grants, building projects and facility upgrades and the attraction of new businesses to the community.
He served as president of council during the two years prior to his diagnosis, which was not discovered until after winning his second term.
Although he will not be able to complete his term, Sudol is satisfied with what has been done during his time on council.
"I am confident that my fellow councilmen and the village administration will continue the progress we've started," he wrote.
The village is accepting letters of interest until Jan. 25 for Sudol's council seat. Letters should be sent to Michael O'Brien c/o Municipal Building, 451 Ohio Ave., McDonald, OH 44437.