On the grimmest day of the Legislative year in Sacramento, Assemblyman Sebastian Ridley-Thomas, whose very promising career just was starting to blossom, abruptly announced his resignation effective Sunday.
Culver City’s Assembly representative gave weakened health as the reason.
Period.
No details have been obtained on the precise state of his health or the prognosis.
The most promising young political star to arrive in years, Mr. Ridley-Thomas promptly made an impact in the tough-skinned capital.
No warmup or adaption period was needed.
Political precociousness came naturally to the ambitious twin son of influential County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, for decades one of the best-known politicians in California. His mother Avis was deeply involved in conflict resolution through his childhood.
Out of Morehouse College, whatever wisdom young Sebastian did not inherit or learn at the knee of his father, he gained through his early 20s as an impressive aide to Curren Price, now a Los Angeles City Councilman.
In those days, Mr. Price was a wily legislator.
Popular with colleagues since being elected three years ago this month – at the tender age of 27 – his Legislative mates were sorrier than stunned. They have witnessed his declining health.
Mr. Ridley-Thomas issued the following written statement yesterday:
“The reason for this difficult decision is that I am facing persistent health issues.
“On December 18th, I underwent surgery for the fifth time this year.
“Although I expect a full recovery, my physicians advise that I will need an extended period of time to recuperate.”
When Mr. Ridley-Thomas began missing office time and legislative votes, staffers said he was on a “personal leave.”
When his invisibility persisted, the cause was attributed – succinctly — to unidentified medical reasons.
There was no further illumination yesterday.
A 17-word statement from Mr. Ridley-Thomas’s office said:
“When I resume public life, I intend to remain active in civic affairs, where my passion lies.”