Three's Enough For Shorewood Trustee

Shorewood Village Trustee Dan Gron announced he is not seeking a fourth term.

Gron is the second trustee in the last week to announce he will not seek re-election. Gron had this message for his constituents:

I wanted to let you know that I will not be seeking a fourth term on the Village Board in Shorewood. I keep thinking as I get older that I'll slow down; but, it's quite the opposite though as I travel for work more every year. To free up time to get on with the rest of my life, and to also spend time with my wife of 31 years, I think it's time for change. I am a strong believer in term limits and absent those, I believe elected officials should do the right thing voluntarily, when no one's looking, by stepping aside. In doing so, resident-representatives can return to their private lives to reconnect while also opening opportunities for fresh perspectives to enter the debate. To do otherwise ensures a path to political sclerosis, as is evident in the results you see coming from our governing bodies in Springfield and elsewhere.

We've accomplished a lot over the approximately 20 years I've been involved as a member of the Zoning Board, a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Vice Chair of the Plan Commission, and the Chair of the Finance Committee. I could list those, however I mentioned long ago that the only reward a member of the Village Board should expect as they leave office is the knowledge that they did a good job, and for that I am thankful.

With apologies to Alexis de Tocqueville, I'll also add that "there is no village in which everything can be provided for by the law, or in which political institutions can prove a substitute for common sense and morality." That said, I've enjoyed my time and highly encourage anyone thinking of stepping up to call me. I'd be happy to discuss the dynamic and personally rewarding nature of briefly stepping into the spotlight.

I wanted to get the word out early enough so others who have considered running had an opportunity to do so.

Thanks to everyone I've had the pleasure to work with along the way, to the friends I've made, and to those who've supported me. So long ...