Green Bay’s mayor says he won’t run for re-election, when his current term is done in the spring of 2019.
Mayor Jim Schmitt plans to make a formal announcement at a reception at City Hall tonight. He was elected to a fourth, four-year term in 2015.
Schmitt was convicted of three misdemeanor campaign finance violations, nearly a year ago. He completed 40 hours of community service and paid a $4,000 fine.
Schmitt issued a statement, saying he’s hopeful that someone with vision and a strong work ethic will run for the job. He says he’s interested in pursuing other things.
There’s been in-fighting among some members of the council in recent months. Schmitt says he won’t turn over the city to shallow thinkers, vindictive personalities or those with selfish motives.
Mayor Schmitt’s full statement
Today I’m announcing my plans for the next election. I’m so proud of the staff, board members and commissioners for their commitment to our community, and support of my vision for Greater Green Bay.
Besides serving as an appointed board or commission member, I encourage good people to run for political office. We need strong leaders who will continue moving Green Bay forward.
When I started my political career, I served as an appointed commissioner, and then I went onto being an elected county board supervisor, and then was elected as your Mayor 15 years ago. I love being Mayor of this City.
But I’m interested in pursuing other things when my term is completed, and I’m hopeful that someone with vision, a strong work ethic, and, of course, someone who loves this City, will run for Mayor for the 2019 election.
I won’t turn over the city to shallow thinkers, vindictive personalities, or those with selfish motives.
This City needs strong, educated leadership. So let’s celebrate our accomplishments, and then tomorrow let’s work together to find quality candidates for the legislative branch in April 2018, and the best candidates for the executive branch in 2019. It’s closer than you think!!
