Politics & Government
Dillon-Knutson Will Not Seek Re-Election to Council
After 16 years on the Novato City Council, Carole Dillon-Knutson announced in a press release she will not run in the upcoming November election.
Novato City Councilwoman Carole Dillon-Knutson announced her decision not to seek re-election in November for a 5th term.
“I have spent a lot of time reflection on my 16 years on the Novato City Council and why I ran in 1994,” said Dillon-Knutson in a statement released to the press. “Through this process, I felt a deep comfort in the priorities and accomplishments that I originally set as my goals: to create a balanced approach and focus on the quality of life issues so important to the residents of Novato.”
Dillon-Knutson served on the council for 16 years, serving twice as mayor. This year she was in line to serve as mayor again but was passed over for Councilwoman Madeline Kellner at the
Find out what's happening in Novatowith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Although the position is largely ceremonial, it was the first time in 30 years that a pro-tem mayor had been leapfrogged.
At the time, Dillon-Knutson called the move a “slap in the face, particularly on top of my husband’s death.” She was referring to her husband of 28 years, Art Knutson, who had died two months earlier.
Find out what's happening in Novatowith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Among the accomplishments that Dillon-Knutson cited during her terms in office, she included the Gymnastics Center, Novato Arts Center and Museum, restoration of Grant Avenue and the Novato City Hall, refurbishment of Novato playgrounds, reconstruction of Pacheco Plaza, and the developments at Hamilton of residential housing, wetlands, and city swimming pool.
She also served on numerous government committees, including the Marin County Council of Mayors and Council Members, the League of California Cities, Association of Bay Area Government’s Executive Committee, Transportation Authority of Marin, the Executive Board of Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit and the Novato Narrows Policy Committee.
“I am looking forward to spending more time traveling and with my family and five grandsons, watching them grow,” added Dillon-Knutson in the statement.
“I personally want to thank all of my supporters and all of the people of Novato for allowing me the opportunity to serve – it would not have been possible without the support and kindness our community has given me.”
