To the editor:

On Feb. 16, I withdrew my candidacy for mayor of our fine city of Sunset Hills.

Late in my second term as mayor, I ex-perienced a problem with my heart, had surgery in which a pacemaker/defibrillator was installed and missed only one Board of Aldermen meeting in December 2013. The “electrical” issue continued, and in early March an ablation was performed.

In April 2014, I lost my re-election bid. For the next two years, I had no problem — none.

On Feb. 11, the implanted defibrillator went off after dinner — twice. Kirkwood EMS transported me to SSM Health St. Clare Hospital, where I learned anger and/or stress can cause this to happen.

My wife, Mary, brought me home from the hospital Saturday, and on Sunday I decided to get out of the race — possibly the toughest decision I have ever made.

My hope was to strive at having the Board of Aldermen work together once again as in my previous two terms, and put a halt to all the immature dealings that have occurred between the mayor and some of the aldermen. I was proud to represent the citizens of Sunset Hills and would once again like to be proud of the fact I live in Sunset Hills.

I was hoping to install that positive aura again. However, the last thing the city needs is a mayor with a health problem.

So I want to thank all the people who called to help my campaign. The donations have been returned and the “Bill Nolan for Mayor Committee” has filed its termination letter.

To all the folks I have had a chance to work with and serve with, I do appreciate all that you do for this city. To all the citizens who voted for me in the past, thank you for the opportunity to represent you.

For the many voters who voted against me, I appreciate the fact that you cared and voted. To my wonderful wife, who I thank God for every day, thank you for helping me make this decision.

One more thing I must add, because of this condition — and thank God for the defibrillator — I will still be around looking good, feeling fine and hope that when we meet, know it’s still OK to say “hi.”

Bill Nolan

Sunset Hills

Editor’s note: A former Ward 1 alderman, Bill Nolan first was elected mayor in 2010 and re-elected in 2012.