It is now half of the Covington City Commission that will not seek reelection in 2016.
Chuck Eilerman, first elected in 2012 and reelected in 2014, announced on Monday that he will not a candidate this year.
“I have been honored to serve the past three years as a Covington commissioner,” Eilerman said in a statement. “Working with a superb city staff, the rest of the Commission, and engaged citizens, a great deal has been accomplished in repairing the city’s fiscal position and setting it on a path for future growth. We have made substantive operational improvements, begun the repair and maintenance of our infrastructure, committed to enhanced public safety, and launched transformative new development programs and projects.”
Eilerman said that he will be focusing on “ensuring the continuation of our progress, free of the distraction of a new campaign.”
The commercial real estate agent has been active for many years in the city and he is part of the Eilerman family that operated namesake department stores in Newport and Covington.
“I have been engaged all of my adult life in promoting this wonderful city, and will continue to be in the future,” Eilerman said. “I appreciate the opportunity to serve, and will work in the new year to build on our foundation to ensure a bright future for our third century.”
Eilerman’s announcement follows Commissioner Steve Frank, who announced last week that he also would not seek another 2-year term. Frank was elected in 2010, 2012, and 2014.
That means that at least two new commissioners will be part of the city’s leadership next year. Incumbents Bill Wells and Jordan Huizenga are each in their first term and have not indicated whether they will be candidates again. The filing deadline is Tuesday, January 26.
Incumbent Mayor Sherry Carran is running again and will be challenged by former state senator Joe Meyer and veteran Matthew Winkler.
-Staff report
