He's been active in Rhinelander city government for 53 years, but this term is his last.
Rhinelander Mayor Dick Johns has announced he's not running for another term.
Johns first was elected to the Rhinelander city council in 1964, and served on the council until he was appointed as mayor in 2005 to fill the unexpired term of Kevin Jenkins. He later was elected to the post. Johns said it was time to retire....
"...it's 53 years for me. It's time. That's five generations. Things have happened in the past, changes everything in regards to technology and stuff like that. I'm getting to the age where I better get out of it...."
Johns says he will finish his term next April. He says he's accomplished things for the city including the making of West Side Park and upgrades at Hodag Park. He was at the founding and operation of the Tri-County Human Service Center, providing mental health services. He says a major improvement during his term was getting the funding for a new $28 million dollar wastewater facility which will serve the community for decades, and many other grant-funded programs among others.
A most recent effort was the passing of the Premier Resort Tax, designed to improve Rhinelander roads...
"....I've had a good run at it. There's been a lot of good things that I've accomplished and been involved in accomplishing. There's been very good people to work with. I had a lot of connections in Madison in the early days and do things for the community. So, my time is over...."
Current city council member Alex Young, and residents Chris Frederickson and Scott Counter have all filed a notice of candidacy, the first step in officially being placed on the ballot.
