Gryder Leaves Mayoral Race in Support of Golinski

Here is Robert Gryder's announcement ending his candidacy verbatim:

"Four months ago, when I first started circulating petitions to run for Mayor of Yorkville, I was determined that I would be able to bring some integrity, honesty, openness, and transparency to the office. As a concerned resident who was directly impacted by the mismanagement of city affairs, I felt I could do the job in a better way. I was prepared to lead with the good of all residents as my only guide. As I began campaigning and learning more about my opponents one thing that continually revealed itself to me was how much Alderman Golinski and I had in common. We even sat down in early January to discuss whether or not one of us should drop out, so focus could be given to the issues. At the time, I was of a mind that Yorkville's government was so generally negative and broken that only an outsider could get Yorkville back on track.

"As time has passed, it's become clear to me that Alderman Gary Golinski not only shares many of my beliefs, but also my desires to see Yorkville led responsibly in to the future without the influences of any personal agendas or personal conflicts. So today I am announcing my withdrawal from the race for mayor of Yorkville. Golinski's campaign signs say it all. He has the experience and integrity that I believe will be critical to getting our city back on track.  I am confident in my ideas and plans but Gary has the existing relationships with staff and civic leaders to bring people together in the manner that the United City of Yorkville deserves.

"I want to thank the many people who have supported my campaign at every turn. I have been humbled by the outpouring and I hope that some time down the road I'll have a chance to work for my community. This is a bittersweet moment knowing that I will not have the privilege of serving Yorkville as its mayor at this time, but I am also relieved and grateful to have an opportunity to cast my ballot for Gary Golinski."