Wagner will not seek re-election

4th Ward Decorah City Council representative Bill Wagner says he will not seek re-election this fall.  Wagner tells decorahnews.com that he is considering retirement, so he cannot commit to a full four-year term on the Decorah City Council.
 
Wagner's decision means all four Decorah City Council elections this fall will feature relative newcomers.  2nd Ward City Council representative Jody Niess has announced she will not seek re-election.  3rd Ward council member Andy Carlson will seek re-election—but he has served only since April of this year, when he was appointed to fill the seat formerly held by Paul Wanless.  At-large city council member Tade Kerndt has also said he will not seek re-election.
 
Whatever the outcome of November's election, the majority of city council members will start 2016 with less than one year experience on the city council.