manich@leaderherald.com
JOHNSTOWN Republican Mayor Vern Jackson announced Monday night he will not seek reelection to a second, four-year term as mayor in 2021.
Jackson told the Common Council at its meeting at City Hall that he wants to provide an opportunity for “fresh” leadership in city government.
“It has been a true honor to serve as mayor,” he stated.
Jackson said he will not seek reelection in November 2021. His current four-year term as mayor runs until the end of 2021.
He will continue to serve as mayor throughout next year.
He had served as the chairman of a committee reorganizing government before being appointed Republican 4th Ward Councilman a few years ago. In November 2016, unopposed, he filled out the last year of the later former Democratic mayor, and Jackson’s friend, Michael Julius, who died on July 28, 2016. He served during 2017, and then was elected outright that year to a four-year term that runs until the end of 2021.