Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola on Tuesday morning made public his announcement to not seek a fourth term.
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, which obtained an advance copy of his letter to residents, reported that Stodola would not seek re-election this year due to the discovery of a family member’s illness.
“This has been a very difficult decision and I want to thank all of my many supporters for the faith and confidence you have placed in me. I truly regret disappointing you by not running,” the mayor said.
State Rep. Warwick Sabin and banker Frank Scott Jr., who have both announced plans to run for mayor in the general election this November, expressed appreciation for Stodola’s tenure.
“I am sorry to hear about the health challenge that his family is facing and I understand his need to make that a priority,” Sabin said, adding his best wishes as the mayor “embarks upon the next phase of his career.”
Scott said he has the “utmost respect” for Stodola and said he is in solemn prayer for his family.
“[Stodola’s] 12 years in the mayor’s office embodied honor and decency, and Little Rock is thankful for his service,” Scott said.
[READ TODAY'S DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STORY: Won't seek new term, Little Rock mayor to announce]
Stodola was first elected mayor in 2006.
"A very recent, serious medical diagnosis involving one of my immediate family members has caused me to take stock of the future and make a decision that is best for my family at this time. In light of this new development, I have decided to cap my time as your mayor at the end of this term," he said in the open letter to residents, which was released to the Democrat-Gazette on Monday.
Stodola said he preferred not to go into detail about the personal issue. His family includes his wife, Jo Ellen, and their children Allison, John Mark and Robert. He has two grandchildren.
He became the city's first full-time mayor since the switch to the city manager form of government in 1957. All mayors in between then and now had been part time.
Voters approved making the mayor position full time and giving the office the power to veto decisions made by the Little Rock Board of Directors and the power to appoint citizens to the city's various boards and commissions in a 2007 special election.
Stodola had previously said he was polling more than 50 percent favorability to win re-election this November.
"This has been a very difficult decision and I want to thank all of my many supporters for the faith and confidence you have placed in me. I truly regret disappointing you by not running. While I am confident we would be successful in November, I must absolutely do what is best for my family at this time," he said.
Stodola is a licensed attorney and will return to the private sector after the conclusion of his current term, though he hasn't decided yet where he will work, he told a reporter Monday.
"As for the future, as the old adage goes, 'Once a mayor, always a mayor' so I will continue to find ways to stay involved in building the city I love and have dedicated myself to improving. As for politics, there are important races that occur every two years, so I will stay engaged in the dialogue that will help direct our future," his open letter to the public says.
When asked whether he plans to consider another run for public office in the future, he said, "You never say never."
Read Wednesday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.