http://66.225.205.104/LM20100608a.mp3
Mayor Pro Tem Susan Burgess has resigned her post on city council as she deals with the late stages of cancer. It's the end of a political career that has spanned twenty years. Burgess has rarely missed a city council meeting and that was true over the past month as she received Hospice care. She has looked tired and colleagues have helped carry her folders and rode the elevator with her. As Burgess entered the conference room in a wheelchair last night, colleagues and city staff gave her a minute-long standing ovation. After casting her last votes, she asked to read her resignation letter. "I love my city and its people and it's been an honor for me to represent them," she said with her voice wavering. Many people were surprised Burgess had the strength to show up at the meeting. A friend posted on Friday that she could no longer leave the house or receive visitors. Burgess looked weak, but still in her element. "I also want you to know I'm completely at peace thanks to the grace of God and I'm happy for all the blessings that I've received," she said with a smile. Mayor Anthony Foxx tried to present Burgess with the Mayor's Award for public service, He began to say a few words, but then holding back tears he just shook his head and handed her the plaque. A few minutes later he tried a second time: "Susan, I just want to say you've just amazed all of us, the whole time. Thank you." Burgess urged council to appoint her son Jason Burgess to fill her term. She said he's a bridge builder and shares her values and ideals. City council could decide as early as next Monday who will take her seat.