Lowder to leave Cedar Hills Council

CEDAR HILLS — Darin Lowder is saying goodbye to the Cedar Hills City Council but not to the city.

Lowder, who has served nearly three years on the City Council, said he plans to resign his position because of a recent job change that will require him to travel extensively and likely would force him to miss some city meetings.

Lowder and his family will continue to reside in Cedar Hills, he said.

"My first thought was to wait and see how many meetings I may end up missing," Lowder said. "The more I thought about it, I realized something would get shortchanged — either the City Council or my family — and I really didn't want to shortchange either."

Mayor Mike McGee said it's that type of dedication that made Lowder an effective and respected councilman.

"He'd like to keep his thumb right on everything and stay on, but he didn't think that was right because he felt like he'd probably have to miss some meetings," McGee said. "You have to admire somebody who can put what's best (for the city) ahead of personal pride and preference."

Next month, McGee and the remaining members of the City Council will appoint a replacement to fill the final 14 months of Lowder's four-year term.

Applications for the position will be accepted for 30 days at the city offices, 3925 W. Cedar Hills Drive. Applicants are required to meet the same requirements as candidates running for office, said Kim Holindrake, city recorder.

Lowder will become the second member of the City Council this year to leave before his term is up. In January, James Parker resigned after two years on the council when his job required him to relocate to Massachusetts. Parker was replaced by Joel Wright.

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