Racine County will have new leadership next spring. County Executive Bill McReynolds has announced he’ll be retiring after 2-terms in office, and he credits an interesting inspiration to help him make that decision. “A couple weeks ago I was sitting watching the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings, and watching Brett Favre made me come to realize there’s a time to stay and a time to go,” said McReynolds. “The county’s in a good position, and it would be time for me to close one chapter and open a new one in my life, and see what happens.”
McReynolds said the changes in Madison leadership played NO role in his decision to retire – but that government has to change. “I’ve been saying that for the last eight years. The problems that the state has to face, it definitely is going to put a strain on all levels of government, but that has nothing to do with my decision to retire.”
McReynolds was first elected County Executive in 2003 and reelected in 2007. His current term ends in April 2011, and he said politics will not be part of his future. “Families give up a lot for people that chose to be in elected office, and that was part of the decision,” said McReynolds, who has three children and four grandchildren. Prior to his election as County executive, McReynolds served eight years as Racine County Sheriff following fifteen years as a deputy sheriff. He began his career as an educator, as a teacher and coach at Union Grove Union High School.
The election for county executive will be held April 5, 2011, with a primary on February 15 if needed.
Tom Karkow, WRJN