City council member Gregg Hixenbaugh, D-at large, won’t seek re-election this year.
It was a family decision, Hixenbaugh told The Tribune this morning, adding that, after talking it over with his wife, he decided to "simplify my life."
He’s finishing out his 12th year on the council.
So far, this leaves three candidates who’ve filed for the three at-large seats on the council, all of them Democrats: incumbents John Gleissner and John Roggeman and newcomer George Lane. The deadline to file for public offices across Indiana is noon Friday.
Hixenbaugh said he has one son who’s now in high school and athletics. And if the councilman sought another term, his fourth, he’d have another child in high school during his term.
"It becomes harder to balance my time," he said.
For the same reason, he said, he almost didn’t run in the last election.
He is also director of human resources and relations and legal counsel for School City of Mishawaka.
He said his schools job helps to satisfy his desire for public service. But he said he’s open to "new avenues in which to continue to be involved in the community," though he’s not actively seeking them.
The other candidates who’ve filed for Mishawaka council seats are Democrats Dale "Woody" Emmons (1st District), Ross Deal (3rd), Mike Compton (5th) and Ron Banicki (6th).
Republicans who’ve filed so far are Ben Blatt (1st), Mike Bellovich (2nd), John Reisdorf (3rd) and Marsha McClure (4th).
