Saying his heart is no longer in it, Emporia City Commissioner Bobbie Agler ended his re-election campaign four weeks before election day.
Agler said Monday he is dropping out of the race despite finishing fourth out of 12 candidates in the March 1 primary. His name will still appear on the April 5 general election ballot because he advanced in the primary.
His decision means the majority of the commission will be newcomers after April 20. There are three open seats that nine candidates are vying for.
That was one reason Agler got into the race. He said his initial decision last year was to not seek a third term, but that changed when former commissioner Jeff Longbine was elected to the state Senate and Commissioner Julie Johnson decided to not seek another term.
“In hindsight I shouldn’t have reversed my initial decision,” Agler said. “I still support the city and have nothing negative to say about it.”
Agler, 69, was first elected to a two-year term in 2005 and is currently serving a four-year term following being re-elected in 2007.
“You have got to have a passion for this position, and for me the passion is gone," he said "This is not because of something bad that has happened. I’ll be turning 70 in July. I’ve been workaholic for 50 years.”
Watch Commissioner Agler's Statement Here: Incumbent Withdraws from City Commission Race
For the full story, pick up the Tuesday Emporia Gazette