Politics & Government
Mike Turk Won't Seek Re-Election After 33 Years In Office
Turk had fallen out of favor with the Joliet trade unions and they promised to make sure he lost if he ran in the April 6 race.
JOLIET, IL — Rather than lose an uphill re-election bid, Joliet City Councilman Mike Turk announced on Sunday evening that he will not seek another four year term of office. Turk has been on the Joliet City Council since 1987.
"It was not an easy decision for me to not seek another term," Turk announced in a statement. "I received many calls encouraging me to run, which was very humbling.
"I am still employed full time at the Southern Will County Co-op for special education and intend to remain in my position. To do the job of a councilman requires a lot of time and energy which factored into my decision."
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Turk was a member of the Joliet City Council's Mudron 5 coalition. Without Turk and with Don Dickinson's recent resignation, the only members of the coalition that will be left in 2021 are Pat Mudron, Bettye Gavin and Sherri Reardon.
In September, Joliet Patch's editor published a column suggesting that enough was enough and it was time for Mike Turk retire. To read that column, go here.
Find out what's happening in Jolietfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Related coverage:Joliet's Powerful Unions Won't Endorse Mike Turk in 2021
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