Mayor cites health, rules out ’20 race

Jonesboro Mayor Harold Perrin will not seek reelection because of an ongoing health issue.

Perrin, 73, said in a news release Wednesday that he decided not to seek another term as mayor after consulting with medical professionals, family members and close friends.

“I have decided most of my energies over the coming three to five months would be best spent focused on restoring my health,” he said. “I plan to continue in my capacity as mayor through the end of my term that ends December 31, 2020. But I fear that the added stress and energy commitment that it would take to run a campaign on top of my mayoral responsibilities would slow my full recovery.”

Perrin was admitted recently to a hospital for a one-day procedure to have a biopsy performed, according to the news release. While the procedure was successful, after consultation with medical professionals, Perrin said he made the decision to pursue additional options to maximize his opportunity for a complete clean bill of health moving forward.

He said while the exact treatment protocol is being developed, he expects up to 12 weeks of medication before deciding if any other procedures will be necessary.

“It’s going to be a tough road, but I am up to the challenge,” Perrin said.

Perrin has been Jonesboro’s mayor for 12 years and was an alderman for 15 years.

“I love this city, and I love being your mayor,” he said in the release. “As difficult as the decision has been, I have a peace because I believe that everything happens for a reason, and that God does not put more on us than we can bear.”