PD's Doug Clifton to Retire in June

Clifton's 37-year career in the newspaper business will end June 1st, nearly eight years after stepping in as editor of Ohio's largest newspaper. In a letter to The Plain Dealer staff, Clifton recalls a long and mostly happy stint at the Miami Herald before moving to Cleveland. He counts his years at the PD as among the most rewarding he has experienced, and says he's not retiring because of any disenchantment with the newspaper or the business. He says he's announcing his retirement now because he's been asked frequently about his plans and wants to put the matter to rest. Clifton, who is 64, plans to move with his wife, Peg to a 200-year-old home in Vermont. He says he wants to pursue personal interests, spend time with his family and, at some point, teach at the college level. Terry Eggers, who took over as publisher of The Plain Dealer last May, said in a statement that he'll begin looking for Clifton's replacement, and consider leadership talent from both within the newsroom and around the country.