BREAKING: Sean Ashton announces resignation from City Council

Councilman Sean Ashton at Downey’s State of the City event in 2018. (Photo by Claudia Gomez)

DOWNEY - Councilman Sean Ashton announced on Tuesday that he will be stepping down as a councilmember effective March 18.

During his comments at the regular council meeting, Ashton attributed his resignation to a new management position which was offered to him at Fed Ex, where he has been working since the beginning of the pandemic.

“I’ve been really happy at that job, and it’s something I enjoy. When given the opportunity to apply for a management position, I took that opportunity just thinking that I would apply and just get my name out there,” said Ashton. “I didn’t think I would be taken seriously considering my short amount of time with the company, but I was informed on Friday that they have offered me the position, and I have decided to accept that position, which means I will not be able to continue as a city councilmember for the City of Downey.”

Ashton expressed appreciation to his constituents.

“To all the people that have voted for me, contacted me for any reason, compliment, complaint, whatever, I truly appreciate your emails, your phone calls, your conversations; it’s been a pleasure,” said Ashton.

He said that it “was not how I envisioned finishing my time as council, but this is an opportunity I can’t pass,” adding that it “was the right thing for myself to do.”

Ashton concluded by complimenting city workers, describing them as “the best staff in the nation.”

He stepped down as Mayor Pro Tem at the end of the evening. His final meeting as a councilman will be on March 8.

The council will now need to fill the vacancies that Ashton will leave upon his departure, namely the Mayor Pro Tem position and his District 2 seat.

Council will have 60 days to replace Ashton once the vacancy is official. Because of the timeliness in comparison to the election later this year, the council will be able to appoint an interim councilmember.

According to City Attorney Yvette Abich Garcia, staff will bring council a “step by step” process that will include solicitation, interviews, and appointment, all done in open session.

The appointee could run for the seat in November’s election.

Appointment of a new Mayor Pro Tem can occur as early as the next council meeting.

Ashton was elected in 2014 and ran for reelection unopposed in 2018, serving as the city’s mayor that same year. He would have finished his final term on council in November.