Bad economy forces Parachute mayor to resign

PARACHUTE (AP) - Parachute Mayor Roy McClung says he will step down from his post by the end of the year to return to college because he's been financially affected by the decline in oil and gas development on the Western Slope.

McClung made the announcement this week and told The Daily Sentinel in Grand Junction that he plans to study engineering at Colorado State University. He previously earned an animal science degree there.

McClung was working as a consultant for energy companies but said that from April to August, he "didn't have anything going on." He says work has improved but he's still struggling to get by.

McClung was nearing the end of his four-year term. Mayor Pro Tem Judy Beasley is expected to take McClung's spot when he leaves.