Mayor intends to run for third term

Ritenauer announces intent, proud to serve ‘diverse and accepting place’

Lorain Mayor Chase Ritenauer has revealed his intent to run for a third term.

Ritenauer, who has served as the city’s mayor since 2012, said this weekend’s events played a big role in the June 23 revealing of his decision.

“The Lorain International Festival is truly a great event and it epitomizes everything Lorain is all about,” he said. “You walk around and see all the excitement and celebration of all these different cultures. It shows off why I’m proud to be the mayor of such a diverse and accepting place. I also went to an event earlier today at Lorain High School where 13 members of the city were honored for their accomplishments. Both events showcased how great the people of this city truly are.”

Ritenauer said the decision to run for an additional term is not an easy one.

“This decision is one I am comfortable with saying today because of how great it has been

“Certain things can happen, but as of today I do plan to serve an additional four years as Lorain’s mayor.” — Mayor Chase Ritenauer

this weekend, but nothing is set in stone,” he said. “Certain things can happen, but as of today I do plan to serve an additional four years as Lorain’s mayor.”

Ritenauer said there are a few things you weigh when making a decision like this.

“It is a tough job that takes up a good amount of time,” he said. “Time that could be spent with family and all the considerations you have to make on that front. I also have to look at what I plan to do and if I have something more to give the city.”

Ritenauer said he is proud of what has been accomplished during his time as mayor.

“The city is better in its budget and infrastructure, those were and still are two points of emphasis for me,” he said. “The city administrators

and council members have all done a great job of working together and putting Lorain first in all we have done. There were a lot of difficult choices along the way, but I’m very proud of the strides that had been made. If you told someone a year ago that the budget would be where it is today and that the Broadway Building would be a hotel again, they probably wouldn’t have believed you but here we are.”

Ritenauer said serving in the mayor position has been a tremendous experience.

“Being born and raised in Lorain, it has been one of the greatest honors being mayor,” he said. “This is something that I have been thinking about for awhile, and the great events this weekend really motivated me to reveal my intent for a third term. If voters continue to put their faith in me, I will keep doing the best work I can for the people of this great city.”

Ritenauer