Roswell Mayoral Candidate Drops Out Of Race

ROSWELL, GA -- The race for the office of mayor in the city of Roswell has one less candidate voters will consider in November. That's because Kurt Wilson announced Tuesday that he will be withdrawing from the race.

Wilson publicized his decision in a video message uploaded to Facebook. The decision, which he said was made with a "burdensome heart," came after realizing that his head was in the race, but his heart was not 100 percent committed.

"If you're heart is not passionate about what you are pursuing, don't do it," he said. "So, I came to the conclusion that, probably, I'm not the right guy for this job."

Over the last two months, Wilson said he's learned a lot more about the city, including some of the great things that are happening and some of the things that leaders and stakeholders need to tackle. Since becoming aware of these issues, Wilson said he plans to share those ideas with other citizens in an effort to come together and work on those problem areas.

"Obviously we live in a great city and the key is to keep this not only a great city for the next five years, but for the next 20 years and for generations to come," he said in his message. "So it's going to take us. It's just not the burden of the politically elected leaders."

He went on to praise those elected officials, who are good people "who do a good job."

The only other candidate who has come out and announced his campaign is Michael Litten, who filed a lawsuit against incumbent Mayor Jere Wood, alleging he violated the city's charter when he ran for a fifth, four-year term in 2013.

Wilson said Roswell is suffering from a great political divide, and it's time for the city's leaders, residents and others to come to the table and begin the process of healing.

"It's time for political healing," Wilson said. "It's time for consensus building because I don't think anyone has ownership of who loves Roswell the most."

Many residents may be familiar with Wilson's name due to his campaign for the 6th Congressional District seat. He was one of several Republicans vying for the hotly contested race, which subsequently resulted in voters choosing Republican Karen Handel over Democrat Jon Ossoff.

Qualifying for Roswell's municipal election, set for Nov. 7, will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21 to Friday, Aug. 25 at Roswell City Hall, which is at 38 Hill Street. Along with the office of mayor, City Council Posts 4, 5, and 6 are all up for re-election. The qualifying fee for the Council seats are $540 and $1,200 for the mayor.

Image via Kurt Wilson