Alderman Bob Kurkiewicz has dropped out of the race for Shawano mayor, leaving the field to seven other potential candidates.
Meanwhile, Alderman Fred Ponschok has decided not to run for another two-year term in April after 17 years on the Common Council.
“That’s long enough,” Ponschok said.
He said his age, 86, was a factor in the decision, which he reached after discussions with his family.
Ponschok would have faced competition for his council seat in for the first time in April.
Lisa Hoffman has returned her nomination papers, making her an official candidate for the District 4 seat in what now looks to be an uncontested race.
Ponschok said he would have liked to have had some challengers in previous elections.
“Opposition is good,” he said.
There is no shortage of challengers potentially vying for the mayoral seat being vacated by Lorna Marquardt in April.
Four candidates have returned nomination papers qualifying them for the ballot: Jim Oberstein, Brian Retzlaff, Jeanne Cronce and Rich Belongia.
Three more have filed campaign registration statements for a mayoral run, but haven’t yet returned the minimum 50 signatures to get on the ballot. They include Common Council member Sandy Steinke, Kasey Hohn and Mart Grams.
Nomination papers have to be filed by 5 p.m. Tuesday.
Ponschok said the large number of candidates for mayor might be expected now that Marquardt is leaving.
“That door’s been shut for so many years,” he said. “Now there’s a break, an ‘in,’ so to speak, and there’s some hungry people out there.”
Kurkiewicz said the number of mayoral candidates might have something to do with how good Marquardt was in that role.
“Lorna was so competent, some may be of the opinion that it’s an easy position,” he said. “It’s a challenging position, and Lorna set the bar quite high.”
Kurkiewicz, who has been on the Common Council for 12 years, declined to specify why he chose to drop out of the mayoral race, saying only that there were a variety of reasons.
“There are some good candidates, which was my main concern,” he said. “Some have personal reasons (for running), and some want to serve the city.”
Marquardt said the number of mayoral candidates is somewhat surprising.
“However, it is always good when citizens are interested in becoming public servants, as long as they are doing it with the best of intentions,” she said.
Marquardt had challengers for the office only twice during her 14 years as mayor.
“I have always felt it is a good thing when citizens have choices, so I would have actually welcomed challengers,” she said. “But on the other hand, I am pleased the citizens allowed me to continue to serve.”
Marquardt said social media might have also played a role in the number of candidates who have taken out papers.
“Several of them have been out there talking about running and others have supported and encouraged them,” she said. “Technology plays an important role in communication these days.”
Another reason, Marquardt said, is the city’s recent lack of any controversy.
“People don’t generally like to get involved when things are in turmoil,” she said. “I think people feel we have a great community and they want an active role in its progression.”
The primary election, which will narrow the field of mayoral candidates down to two, will be held Feb. 16.
The spring election will be held April 5.
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