Waterloo Mayor Jack O’Connor will not seek re-election.
The news comes less than a week before the scheduled Republican Primary between He and Walter Bennett.
O’Connor, 80, was elected in 2019 after defeating Ted Young.
He cited his health status as the reason for dropping out of the race. “My current health status led me to reflect on pursuing another four-year term and conclude that I should complete my original term that I was elected to in 2019 and retire from public service,” O’Connor said. “I have had the good fortune to work with talented and passionate people who share a common vision for the advancement of the village of Waterloo, and I wish them the best as they carry on with a sense of civic pride inspiring and worthy of commendation. It is my sincere hope that my successor will embrace the position as mayor as ardently as I did and with complete dedication, further raising the profile of the Waterloo community in service to its well-deserving constituents.”
Last week, Walt Bennett sat down with FingerLakes1.com to discuss his ideas ahead of the scheduled primary. Due to the timing of ending his campaign, there will still be a primary next Tuesday with O’Connor on the ballot.
Democrats are expected to name a candidate soon.
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