Mayor Harold Perrin will be stepping down after his current term.
The Jonesboro mayor announced on Wednesday, July 22 that he would not be seeking reelection to serve a fourth term. Perrin cited ongoing health issues as the reason for his decision.
According to a city news release, Perrin recently had a biopsy and will be pursuing “additional options to maximize his opportunity for a complete clean bill of health…”
“I’ve had a wonderful life over the past 27 years serving this community. I have been blessed to serve both as a member of the city council and as mayor,” Perrin said in a statement. “I have truly loved every minute of it; and I am thankful for the opportunity that our citizens have given me to serve. I plan to meet this next season of my life with the same commitment and tenacity as I have during the last one.”
This marks a reversal for Perrin, who announced his intention to run again several months ago. In May, Perrin said that he would be seeking an additional term. At the time, he did not provide details on his campaign plans.
“Many in our community have encouraged me to share my election plans. We wanted to make this official today so my campaign team can assemble and begin organizing. There will be plenty of time for campaigning later, but for now I have a job to do, and that is where I will continue to focus my energy and effort. As always, I remain dedicated to moving Jonesboro into the future,” he said in May.
Perrin has served as Jonesboro’s mayor since 2009 and was elected to his third, and current, term in 2016. He previously served on the city council for 15 years, according to his city biography.
He will be stepping down as mayor on Dec. 31, 2020.
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