News Blog

News Blog

Paula Hazdovac Resigns from Carmel City Council

After more than 18 years on Carmel City Council, Councilwoman Paula Hazdovac is resigning.

"In the last 18 months or so, my personal obligations to my family have increased," Hazdovac says. "It was a disservice to the city to continue because I can’t give it 100 percent."

Hazdovac helps care for her mother, who turns 89 Tuesday, and her 84-year-old aunt. She says she'd hoped to finish out her four-year term, which ends in 2014, but couldn't make it work.

Reflecting on her nearly two decades on council, Hazdovac (pictured above, right) cites her proudest accomplishments as the Sunset Center renovation, an updated Local Coastal Plan and improved marketing for Carmel —including many major new events, like the Authors & Ideas Festival, Film Festival and Car Week events.

She's disappointed to leave the Flanders Mansion future still in limbo, but likely won't remain involved in city politics. "When people leave and come back and are somewhat disruptive and speak on every issue—let it go," she says. "It’s a new administration."

Hazdovac hopes the council chooses another local business owner to replace her, and says the business acumen of her colleagues doesn't adequately represent Carmel's downtown. "You really need a Carmel-by-the-Sea business district perspective," she says. "It has a lot of quirks and oddities."

The resignation come just months after Carmel City Council appointed a new member (Steve Hillyard) to fill a vacancy Jason Burnett left behind when he was elected as mayor.

Hazdoac's departure, Burnett says, "is too bad from the council’s perspective, and the town’s perspective." But after a competitive pool for Hillyard's seat, Burnett expects many qualified candidates to step forward again.

City Council meets on Wednesday to initiate the process of planning a special election or making an appointment. An election would cost about $50,000.

Hazdovac's resignation takes effect Sept. 7.