St. Charles alderman quits his day job

St. Charles Fifth Ward Alderman David Richards will step down as executive director of the Downtown St. Charles Partnership on Sept. 30.

The announcement came Friday in a written statement from the partnership. The not-for-profit group promotes business growth and preservation in St. Charles' core business area. The city has struggled, along with most municipalities, to maintain and fill business spaces during the poor economy. But Richards said in a written statement that he's leaving simply because, after nearly six years, it's just time.

"We in the Main Street program often comment that the national average tenure for a Main Street program executive director is around two years," Richards wrote. "You might say I perhaps overstayed my welcome, but when you love your community and your job, it's easy to do."

Richards could not be reached for comment Friday about what he plans to do when Sept. 30 rolls around for new employment.

The partnership's president, Sue McDowell, said Richards had a very successful tenure, including being an advocate for the city having first floor retail establishments, the creation of downtown advertising campaigns and the development of the Business Development Breakfast series.

"We're sorry to see David leave," McDowell said in a written statement. "David's true love for St. Charles cannot be matched."