Eaton drops out of race

"It's been fun and an enjoyable 26 years. It kind of defines me as a person since what drives me is serving other people ... but on the other hand I don't want to be selfish and maybe it's time to allow others to run," Eaton said.

Eaton, a real estate investor and former mayor, is one of three incumbents whose seats are up for grabs. His decision to bow out pushes Friday's filing deadline out five extra days for challengers.

Of the other two incumbents with open seats, Mike King has not pulled papers nor announced his intent. Matt Grocott has collected signatures and plans to run again.

Eaton definitely plans to endorse Planning Commissioner Alex Phillips and Parks and Recreation Commissioner Brad Lewis in their council bids. He also expressed great faith in Mayor Inge Tiegel Doherty and Councilman Tom Davids to maintain the council in the future.

Davids, he said, will be the council's "elder statesman" if King decides against re-election.

Although Eaton is removing himself from the council race, he has no plans to rest on his laurels. He will be active with his church, the Boy Scouts and wants to continue working with one of his pet projects, the Week of the Family.

The week, during which the entire city devotes time to loved ones and activities promote familial relations, is what Eaton considers his greatest accomplishment.

When Eaton stepped down as mayor in 2002 he also cited among his achievements the downtown renovation, refurbishing of city streets and refinishing the parks.

Michelle Durand can be reached by e-mail: michelle@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 102. What do you think of this story? Send a letter to the editor: letters@smdailyjournal.com.