Gillenwater to Seek Re-election, but as Commissioner

Effingham Mayor Merv Gillenwater said he'd like to explore this thing called "retirement". One way he's planning to do so is by running for re-election as a city commissioner, not as mayor.

Gillenwater, who retired from the Illinois State Police a number of years ago, was elected to the City Council as a commissioner in 2007 and then was elected mayor in 2011. He said the time constraints he's experienced as mayor, but a desire to remain involved, led to the decision to run for commissioner.

Gillenwater said whoever is elected mayor has no worries about him looking over their shoulder should he win election, but he said he'll still have plenty of input on the issues he finds important in a commissioner's role.

Gillenwater's announcement is another indicator that a vastly different City Council will take office next May. Current commissioners Alan Harris and Matt Hirtzel have already announced they'll not seek re-election. Current commissioners Don Althoff and Brian Milleville have taken out nominating petitions for another term.