Wisconsin Rapids Mayor Shane Blaser won't seek reelection
WISCONSIN RAPIDS − Mayor Shane Blaser announced today that he will not seek reelection.
Blaser first became mayor in 2020, when he defeated incumbent Mayor Zach Vruwink in the spring election. Blaser won a second term in 2022, defeating challenger Nikkilas Robert Wix.
"After nearly four years in office, I have made the decision not to seek reelection," Blaser said in a news release issued Wednesday morning. "It is time for me to find a better work-life balance and to contribute to the city in other ways.
Blaser served as a Wisconsin Rapids police officer for seven years and as the city clerk for eight years. He served one year as the District 8 alderman.
Blaser listed some accomplishments in his news release. Among them are driving the creation of a large municipal dog park, which was funded by room tax dollars. He encouraged and supported the elimination of special assessments, in favor of a transportation utility. He said he proactively responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by balancing staff and resident safety with accessibility of city resources.
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Blaser said it had been an honor and privilege to serve as the Wisconsin Rapids mayor. He encourages interested residents to consider running for mayor in the upcoming April 2 election.
"I have enjoyed the privilege of using my skills and experiences to help position our city for success," Blaser said in the news release. "I look forward to passing the torch to a new mayor and watching how their unique perspective will help the city continue to grow, innovate and progress into a bright future."
To learn how to get on the ballot, visit: elections.wi.gov.
Contact Karen Madden at 715-345-2245 or kmadden@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @KMadden715, Instagram @kmadden715 or Facebook at www.facebook.com/karen.madden.33.
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This article originally appeared on Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune: Wisconsin Rapids Mayor Shane Blaser won't seek reelection
