Longtime Baltimore City Council Member Helen Holton, one of Maryland’s members on the National Association of Counties Board of Directors, has announced her plans to leave public office. She will not run for re-election in the 8th District Council race next year.

She receives praise for her service in a release by Council President Bernard Jack Young:

For the past 20 years and counting, the citizens of the 8th district have been fortunate to have as their representative a true champion. During our time as colleagues, I have come to respect and trust Councilwoman Holton’s steady leadership and advocacy. As the long-serving chair of the Council’s Budget Committee, Councilwoman Holton has used her mastery of the budgeting process to fight for increased funding for programs that have helped countless families gain employment, secure affordable childcare, have access to quality educational and recreational facilities. Her announcement today that she will not seek re-election to her Council seat, and will instead focus on her health, is completely understandable. On behalf of the City Council, we look forward to making the homestretch of the Councilwoman’s tenure productive for the citizens of Baltimore.