Frankfort mayor not seeking re-election

FRANKFORT, Ind. (WLFI) - The city of Frankfort will have a new mayor in 2012.

Mayor Chris Pippenger has announced he will not seek re-election in the general municipal election in November.

Pippenger, an Independent, did not have to file for re-election until the end of June, but instead issued a statement saying he will be stepping down at the end of his first term as mayor.

In the news release, Pippenger mentioned he was exploring the possibility of seeking a second term, saying he will always wonder if it was possible.

"I would like to say thank you to all of my friends and supporters.  It is my personal belief and I have been told that my administration has accomplished so very much," Pippenger said in the statement.

"This is a very, very tough decision to make, but I believe it is time to get back to my family, hobbies, and free time once again.  That being said, I will not be seeking re-election as Mayor of Frankfort," Pippenger said.

The May 3 Frankfort municipal primary election features a two-way Republican race for the mayor's office between Chris McBarnes and John O'Brien.