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CLOUDY Temp: 61 °F Wind: WNW at 5 mph Monday, September 29, 2003 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA HomeLife Magazine Joy Magazine Tempo A & E RogueValleyAutoFinder RogueValleyHomeFinder Real Estate Showcase Wellness Connection Newspaper in Education Prime Times Outdoor Journal Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Employment Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend September 3, 2003 Mayor copes with cancer Leigh Lucas, 80, who has inoperable liver cancer, says taking the pro tem job has made him feel better By SANNE SPECHT Mail Tribune ROGUE RIVER — One man's decision to tender his resignation as mayor to care for an ailing family member has given the mayor pro tem, a man recently diagnosed with inoperable liver cancer, a new lease on life. Phil Peeters’ resignation places Leigh Lucas, 80, as head of the town's council. Lucas is a 16-year Rogue River resident who spent 40 years in the banking industry. He has chaired the city's finance committee for the past four years and has been on the City Council for the past seven years. Lucas faced and survived another bout with cancer several years ago. Diagnosed with liver cancer two years ago, he recently underwent a barrage of testing to determine what, if anything, could be done to treat his disease. After consulting with specialists, Lucas said he discussed all the options with his oncologist and ultimately decided not to pursue further treatment. "I'm not going to do a darned thing," said Lucas. "And ever since I made that decision, I feel better and better. I'm in pretty good shape." Advertisement City Administrator Mark Reagles said he believes Lucas has had a boost in spirits since he discovered he'll be at the city's helm. "He has cancer and he knows it," said Reagles. "But he is dedicated to the community, provides good input, works hard and has something valuable to contribute to the community." Peeters, nine months into his second term as mayor, resigned at a City Council meeting Thursday. Peeters, 83, asked that his resignation be effective immediately so he could devote himself to caring for his ailing wife, Dorothy. Peeters said knowing Lucas would be in charge eased his decision to resign. Peeters also said the job will give Lucas an impetus to carry on. "That was the easiest part of the decision. Sometimes it gives you added strength and purpose. He brightens right up when he talks about this responsibility," said Peeters. "Leigh is going to make an excellent mayor. He's got lots of skills and he's a very compassionate man. I think that's the most important part of being the mayor." Peeters said he has been working on learning some news skills and honing his compassion as well since he's been taking care of his wife. "I'm learning how to be a good housewife, cook and nurse," said Peeters. "You just have to put your mind to it and have a good attitude. It's given me a new perspective on things." Councilwoman JoAnne Mead, 72, says she was surprised by the mayor's resignation. Mead says she will miss Peeters’ leadership but said Lucas' broad range of interest will serve the city well. The new acting mayor pro tem, Mead says she was honored to have been selected by the council. "I feel humbled by it," said Mead. "It's a very humbling experience to know that people put their trust in you." As far as the city's future, Lucas said he wants to "continue on as we've been." Lucas says the biggest problem currently facing the council is how to shore up the city's deteriorating infrastructure with limited finances. "The streets all need replacing, but we don't have the money. So we have to Band-Aid and overlay the problem," said Lucas. Applications are being accepted for the vacant council seat. Lucas said the council will review all applications for the next several weeks and make a decision to appoint a new member as soon as possible. Both the position of mayor and the non-elected council position will be open in the November 2004 general election. Reach reporter Sanne Specht at 776-4497 or e-mail [email protected] Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Rogue Valley Auto Finder Rogue Valley Job Finder --> Rogue Valley Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Real Estate Showcase Food for Thought Hike of the Week Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Openings Prime Times