Paul Braun, Flossmoor’s mayor since 2009, announced Tuesday that he will not seek a fourth term in next April’s municipal election.
“It is my hope that others in the community will step forward and run for election as mayor for Flossmoor in the April, 2021 municipal election,” Braun said in his announcement.
Paul Braun, Flossmoor’s mayor since 2009, announced Tuesday that he will not seek a fourth term in next April’s municipal election.
“It is my hope that others in the community will step forward and run for election as mayor for Flossmoor in the April 2021 municipal election,” Braun said in his announcement. “I can assure you that your service is needed as we continue to work to help keep Flossmoor a wonderful place to live, work and raise our families.”
Tuesday was the first day to pick up petitions for the spring election and Braun told the H-F Chronicle that he did not want to wait any longer before making his announcement so that potential candidates would know he is not seeking reelection.
“As others have said, being mayor is a job of a lifetime but it is not a job for a lifetime,” Braun said.
Braun, an attorney, said “it has been my pleasure and honor to serve this wonderful community for the past 11-and-a-half years” as mayor.
“Having also served on the Flossmoor Planning Commission for five years and as a trustee on the village board for six-and-a-half years, the past 23 years of public service have been very enriching and rewarding,” he said. “I will greatly miss the terrific board members and village staff that I have worked with over the years and I can say with confidence that the dedication shown by past village board members and staff has made Flossmoor what it is today, a welcoming, beautiful and connected community.”
Braun said that over the past 12 years, Flossmoor has been successful in maintaining financial stability, economic development, sustainability initiatives, infrastructure improvements, community programs and marketing/promotion of the community.
Village officials, he said, have extended Flossmoor’s involvement, leadership and influence in regional, state and federal organizations and initiatives. Village board members and staff are committed to serving the best interest of Flossmoor residents by coordinating efforts with other governmental partners, including the Flossmoor Public Library, Homewood-Flossmoor Park District, Homewood-Flossmoor High School District 233 and Flossmoor School District 161.
Braun cited several accomplishments during his tenure as mayor. He said he is particularly proud of the establishment of the Flossmoor Green Commission, which “brought real-life practical environmentally conscious programs into Flossmoor households.” He pointed to a number of new businesses in town, such as the Meijer superstore, Dunnings Gourmet Market, Buona Beef, Starbucks, Jersey Mike’s, Lou Malnati’s Pizza, and other boutique businesses in Flossmoor Commons and downtown Flossmoor.
“Sales tax revenues from village business have increased four times the amount collected in 2009 due to our economic development efforts,” he said.
The Flossmoor Metra station was reconstructed and refurbished during his tenure. Braun served a president of the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association.
These accomplishments would not have been possible without excellent work from village staff and the village board, he said, adding he will always remain grateful to Flossmoor officials for “their help and collegiality.”