Mayor Michael Neitzke to Run Unopposed in April Election

Barring a write-in campaign, incumbent Mayor Michael Neitzke will be unopposed in his bid for a third four-year term.

Only Neitzke filed the necessary paperwork to run for mayor in April. The deadline to file for candidacy was 5 p.m. Jan. 2.

"It’s an honor for me to serve the city that I grew up in and raise my family in," Neitzke said in an email to Patch just before the filing deadline. "Whether or not someone enters the race, or re-enters the race, I’ll continue to do the best that I can for the city. I can’t really worry about that stuff."

First District Alderwoman Linda Lubotsky had initiated the paperwork process for candidates last month but pulled out of the race two days later. She then took a few shots at Neitzke and said there was no doubt in her mind she would have won.

Get great local stories like this on Facebook. Click to join us!

Neitzke was a city alderman for seven years before being elected mayor in 2005, when he defeated Timothy Seider. He defeated Seider, who was the mayor for 10 years — the second-longest tenure in city history — again in 2009.

The city’s mayor will make $77,969, with an additional $6,000 in stipends for expenses and auto allowance, effective April 17.