Councilman-senator to resign city post

CLINTON (AP) — The only man to serve both as a councilman and a state senator will give up his city post.

Paul Ray said he will resign from the Clinton City Council at the end of the year so he can concentrate on his duties as a state legislator.

Ray's resignation means whoever wins his City Council seat in November's general election will fill the two remaining years of his term.

Ray, a Republican, said Tuesday that holding both positions simultaneously has been taxing.

"I'm better suited for the state Legislature and can do more good for the four cities I represent," said Ray, whose legislative district also includes Sunset, West Point and Syracuse.

Ray said his decision to resign from the council is not related to his controversial proposal that Clinton enact an ordinance that would keep convicted registered sex offenders out of local parks.

The Clinton City Council passed the ordinance in May but rescinded it earlier this month before it could be enacted under the threat of possible litigation challenging its constitutionality.