New Orleans - City Council President Arnie Fielkow said he will not run for mayor in 2010, ending months of speculation that the relative newcomer to New Orleans politics would seek the position.
"After considerable deliberation, I have made the decision not to pursue the position of Mayor of New Orleans at this time. There are many factors which contributed to this decision, both personally and professionally, but ultimately I believe this is in the best interest of my family and a unified community. We can and must get our recovery moving and with unity and trust, we can succeed. I look forward to fully supporting our next mayor in achieving that objective," said Fielkow in a statement released Tuesday afternoon.
Fielkow delayed his announcement a week ago, when many candidates officially begin campaigning for the city election. Fielkow said he plans to remain in politics and plans to seek re-election to his at-large council seat.
"My family and I love the City of New Orleans and are blessed to liveamongst the greatest people anywhere in this country. For the past 3years, I have had the privilege, in partnership with the citizens andmy colleagues, to serve as Councilman-at-Large. I have been honored torepresent New Orleanians from all of our neighborhoods and believe,more than ever, that the future of New Orleans is incredibly bright."
"There are many ways to serve our great city and I hope to continue to contribute to New Orleans rebuilding and renaissance. At this time, I am now focusing on my campaign for re-election. It is vitally important that our great city reaches its untapped potential and we not be satisfied with merely bringing this city back to where we were in August, 2005."
Political watchers say Fielkow would have been a front runner in the race.
So far, Rep. Austin Badon, Sen. Ed Murray and activist James Perrry are the only ones who have officially declared they will seek the city’s top political position.
Former mayoral candidate and businessman John Georges and former City Councilman Eddie Sapir have also had their names tossed out as possibilities. Former candidate, Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu announced earlier this year he would not run for New Orleans mayor in 2010.
Qualifying begins in December and the primary is set for February 6.
