Citing work and family commitments that make it difficult to attend all the meetings, a Medford City Council member announced his resignation Thursday."This decision has not been easy," said Ed Chun, a councilman representing Ward 1.

Chun, a reserve district manager with Farmers’ Insurance Group, ran his campaign on improving livability in Medford by addressing key issues of transportation, growth, parks and economic development.

"This is a surprise," said Councilman John Michaels. "I understand there’s been issues." Michaels added he would be sorry to see Chun go.

"I’m very sorry to see you resign," said Councilman Sal Esquivel. "You have a great mind — it’s very sharp.

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"What we’re losing here is not only a good council member, we’re losing a friend," said Esquivel.

Following the meeting, Chun said that he and his wife, Susan, had been discussing the matter all summer.

City Administrator Mike Dyal said he was surprised by the timing.

"I heard yesterday that you were going to be doing this but I didn’t think this soon," he said.

Chun said resigning now would give his replacement a year to learn about serving on a city council before deciding whether to run when the term expires in December 2004.

"I have not been able to give the level of effort I like to give anything I work on," said Chun.

He said juggling a full-time job, family commitments and the council position, which could take up to 15 hours per week, meant things were neglected.

"My yard will go three weeks sometimes without getting mowed," he said.

"I do support a stipend for City Council," Chun added.

He said a small stipend would allow council members to hire needed assistance to keep up with daily demands.

Chun said the decision was a difficult one for him to make.

"I was elected to do a job and I should have finished my job," he said.

City staff will announce the application process for filling Chun’s position at a later date.

Reach reporter Meg Landers at 776-4481 or e-mail mlanders@mailtribune.com.