Just a day after all five candidates met for the candidates’ forum at Davis Community Church, the Vanguard received word that Paul Nicholas Boylan has announced that he must withdraw from the race for Davis City Council due to personal family matters.
“My mom has terminal cancer. I won’t be able to split my time between assisting in her end of life care and participating in all the events and meetings required necessary to run for elected office. Family always comes first. I will, however, put what time I do have into assisting other candidates,” Mr. Boylan said. “I want to thank all of those who offered me their support and share my concerns with how City business is being conducted.”
In a comment on Facebook he added, “It takes enormous time and effort to run for public office. I am willing to put that time in and make those efforts, but not at the expense of time I need to spend with my family – and I now need to spend time with my mother who was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer (stage 4). I prefer to keep such personal matters out of the public eye, so all I will say is that my time and effort is needed elsewhere. I’ve always said ‘family comes first.’ I’ve talked that talk; now I have to walk the walk.”
The decision by Mr. Boylan reduces the number of candidates down to four for three seats. Remaining in the race are incumbents Lucas Frerichs and Brett Lee, along with challengers Will Arnold and Matt Williams.
According to his Facebook post, Mr. Boylan has thrown his support behind challengers Will Arnold and Matt Williams.
He stated, “Although I anticipate spending significant time back east in the next few months, I will remain as active in the election process as possible. I’ve already decided to endorse Matt Williams and Will Arnold. I haven’t yet decided which incumbent, if any, I will support. But in the meantime, I recommend to all those who might have chosen me to choose Matt and Will. They share most of my concerns about Davis and match my desire to do all they can to protect, preserve and advance the quality of life in Davis for everyone who lives here, and not just the select few.”
Mayor Dan Wolk has declined to file to run for reelection, which means that the filing period is extended by five calendar days until 5 pm on Wednesday, March 16.
—David M. Greenwald reporting
Paul
I am so sorry to hear about your mother’s illness. My thoughts will be with you and your family.
I was at the forum and very appreciative of your unique combination of experience, your skill set, perspective and direct manner of communication. I think that you have much to offer the city regardless of whether that is in public office or as a private citizen and I wish you all the best.
I’m very disappointed. But I understand that life has to come first.
I’m disappointed, too. I felt my message of peace, love and harmony was resonating with the Davis electorate. If we all join hands, we can accomplish so much!
But, for me, not right now. The Universe gave me a choice that turned out to be no choice at all. My primary purpose for the next few months is to make sure all details are taken care of and my mother’s final days are as happy and free from worry as possible.