AVONDALE, Ariz. — Avondale's mayor is resigning from his post to chase his dreams of NASCAR glory as the Government Affairs Director for the sport.
“Such an opportunity presented itself, and it met all the criteria I was looking for," said Mayor Kenn Weise. "It would allow me to still be a part of the community I love, it would allow me to have a positive impact on this city, the region, and the state."
The announcement by the city was made on Wednesday afternoon.
Weise's last day in office will be Oct. 13, though he had initially planned to stay through the end of his term on Dec. 31.
Weise sent a letter to city employees that said in part:
“My intent was to serve out my final term as Mayor, but I also knew that if an amazing career opportunity surfaced, that I may need to alter my plans. That opportunity would need to be one that kept me close to Avondale, one that allowed me to still serve and have a positive impact, and one that would allow me to put my almost 20 years of public service knowledge to good use.”
Weise has a long history of service to the Avondale community beginning in 2006 when he was appointed to fill a city council vacancy.
He would later serve as vice mayor of the city from 2008 to 2010.
In 2014, Weise was appointed to the position of mayor and then two years later elected to the position.
"Serving as Mayor of Avondale has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together, and I thank the residents and City staff for their unwavering support," Weise said in his letter to employees.
A special city council meeting will be held on Oct. 14 to discuss the mayoral vacancy and possibly appoint a replacement for Weise. The city's charter requires the position to be filled within 31 days.
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