San Diego Councilman Tony Young Resigns

Updated 1:17 p.m. Wednesday.

Councilman Tony Young made his resignation official Wednesday.

Young submitted his written resignation to the City Clerk's Office, leaving the City Council after six years to become chief executive of the San Diego and Imperial Counties Chapter of the American Red Cross. He is scheduled to go to work for the Red Cross on Wednesday, succeeding Joe Craver, according to a spokeswoman for the relief organization.

In his letter, Young said he "respectfully" resigned his District 4 office.

The City Council on Monday will schedule a special election within the next three months to replace Young.

Residents who live within the district's 2010 boundaries will take part in the vote, with an estimated cost of around $385,000, City Clerk Elizabeth Maland said. Young was returned to office two years ago but council district maps have since been altered.

If no candidate wins more than 50 percent of the vote in the special election, a runoff will be required between the two highest vote-getters. The winner will finish out a term that will have just under two years remaining, and will then have to face re-election to get a full four-year term.

Council President Todd Gloria said he will supervise the district's staff for now.

"The Fourth District office remains open to handle constituent needs, and I am impressed with the staff's dedication to serve," Gloria said. "The high level of service that residents came to expect under the leadership of Councilmember Young will continue until a new representative is elected."

Young's departure means the City Council will go back to having eight members until this spring. The panel added a ninth member in December after redistricting.

-City News Service