COUNCILWOMAN MARTI EMERALD ISSUES STATEMENT ON SELLING HER HOME IN DISTRICT

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July 22, 2011 (Tierrasanta) – San Diego City Councilwoman Marti Emerald has issued the following statement in response to inquiries regarding her decision to sell her home Tierrasanta.
The move follows the death of her husband, Mike Klarfeld, in February, and has raised questions as to whether she intends to continue representing the district.

Emerald offered assurances to constituents in her explanation:

As you may know, soon after I assumed office my husband Mike Klarfeld suffered a serious decline in his health. Heart problems forced him onto a pacemaker. He suffered through a third bout of cancer enduring radiation treatments, developed Alzheimer’s disease and eventually passed away February 23, 2011. Through it all I was Mike’s primary caregiver.

During these difficult two years, I hired nursing staff to care for Mike while I was at work performing my duties as a City Council member, and cared for him myself the rest of the time.
This was a long, painful and expensive ordeal for my family. Paying for in-home care was very costly and created a serious financial hardship. When Mike passed away I also lost his income and that put a greater strain on my ability to maintain our lovely home.

My daughter and I have decided to sell the house. We have accepted an offer on the house and as soon as we receive bank approval we will be looking for more affordable housing in my district.

I have lived in Tierrasanta for 22 years. My daughter grew up in this neighborhood and attended Tierrasanta’s wonderful schools. I enjoyed my life with Mike during our years in Tierrasanta and am grateful I was able to keep him in the home he loved until he passed away.

Now it’s time for my family to make this big adjustment and move on. We will do so with a heavy heart but optimistic about creating a happier future wherever we land.

In addition to the personal nature of my decision on where to live, there are also political ramifications, since the preliminary redistricting map, if approved, would make significant changes to District 7.

Please know that I will announce my intentions immediately upon approval of the final map. I am committed to continuing to serve the people of San Diego, regardless of council district boundary lines.

Thank you for your interest.

Marti Emerald
Councilmember Seventh District
 


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