GREENFIELD, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — At-Large Greenfield City Councilor Penny Ricketts has announced that she is resigning from the Council, effective immediately.
Ricketts made the announcement through a post on Facebook Monday morning. Ricketts said the main factor leading to her decision was a strong desire take some time for herself.
“I just decided I’m just going to take a break from it,” said Ricketts. “I’ve been doing it for a long time and I just want to stop for a while.”
According to Clerk to the City Council Kathryn Scott, no resignation paperwork has been received as of Monday morning. Any resignation needs to be submitted and then accepted by Council President John Bottomley. The council would then fill the vacancy. Ricketts plans to formally submit her letter of resignation to the city no later than Tuesday. Ricketts’s term expires on December 31, 2025.
Ricketts has served on various boards and committees in Greenfield for over two decades. She is currently on the council’s Appointments and Ordinances and Community Relations Committees.
“I almost feel bad leaving now,” said Ricketts, as she fought back tears. “They were so good to me. But, I think that is part of taking care of yourself, just to step back and enjoy life for a while.”
Ricketts said she is unsure of her future, but did not rule out a return to city government at some point.