The first African-American woman to earn a seat on the Staunton City Council announced Monday she will not be seeking reelection after serving 16 years on the council.

Rita Wilson says she started working on the council because she thought that many demographics around the city weren't being represented.

She's leaving because she thinks it's time for fresh blood on the council and that she's ready to move on to other ways of serving the community.

"It's been a really good experience. I don't intend to just sit down and shut up, but I don't want to have the stress that serving on the council can bring," says Wilson.

Wilson will serve out her term, which ends June 30. During the May elections, city residents will select her successor.