BENTON -- A retired man has formally dropped out of the mayor's race in Benton, leaving incumbent David Mattingly unopposed for the November election.
Gene Gentry, 67, said Wednesday that he initially decided to run after another potential candidate who he said was "groomed" for the race decided not to enter. But after "the scales were tipped," Gentry said he decided to drop out.
He went to the Saline County clerk's office Friday and wrote a statement saying he was withdrawing as a candidate "for personal reasons," Deputy Clerk Darlene Westbrook said Wednesday. He then signed the statement.
"I'm disappointed because I can't help the people directly," Gentry said during an interview at his home Wednesday.
Gentry said Wednesday that many things factored into his withdrawal, including media coverage biased toward incumbents and residents' lack of participation in local government.
Mattingly, 72, has held the mayor's seat since 2011. The position pays $68,000 annually.
Mattingly had prepared to formally begin a re-election campaign Wednesday but heard news of the withdrawal Friday, according to a statement.
"I'm so appreciative of the opportunity to continue to focus on the city's business without the added distraction of a costly campaign," Mattingly said in a statement. "Now the task turns to finishing the projects we have started and maintaining the momentum we have achieved."
Gentry said he hopes Benton residents participate more in the city's public meetings. It's the public's responsibility to hold government accountable, he said.
Metro on 09/04/2014