Skrel Decides Against Re-election Bid

Gary Skrel emailed on Friday afternoon that it was a bittersweet day as he decided against running for re-election to the Walnut Creek City Council.

Skrel wrote:

I feel extremely fortunate to have been selected by the citizens of Walnut Creek for the past 12 years to serve as a council member. Looking back at our achievements, I am forever grateful to have served in this capacity and participated in our City’s progress.

After months of assessing my future plans and options, I have decided not to seek re-election. It is time for me to step aside and encourage others to experience the honor of being a council member for the City of Walnut Creek.  Stepping aside should not be interpreted as going away. As a result of my caring for and commitment to our City, I will continue to remain very active in the community, region and State, using my combined professional and council experience to provide leadership, vision and wisdom on the important issues that lie ahead.

I am confident that the City’s future policy makers will build upon our past successes. In partnership with an engaged community and talented City staff, they have a great opportunity to maintain the high quality of life we enjoy in one of California’s best cities to live, work and play.

There are three four-year seats up in the Nov. 6 election, and incumbents Kish Rajan and Bob Simmons, and challengers Barry Grove, Loella Haskew and Justin Wedel have announced their intention to run. Rajan, Simmons and Wedel had filed their nomination papers, City Clerk Suzie Martinez reported Friday afternoon.