The suspense is over. St. Joseph City Commissioner and Mayor Laura Goos will not run for re-election this year.
Goos was first elected in 2017 and most recently re-elected in 2021. Her term expires in November.
The mayor’s full statement follows:
Laura Goos, Mayor of St. Joseph, Michigan, is not seeking a third term for the St. Joseph City Commission. Goos was first elected to the City Commission and appointed Mayor Pro Tem in November 2017, re-elected in 2019 and appointed Mayor in 2021.
“This decision has been a difficult and very personal decision. I have enjoyed being able to represent the residents and taxpayers of St. Joseph over the past five plus years,” Goos said.
“Firstly, I believe that healthy turnover is really good for an institution; I believe everyone should be involved in local government if they can find the time. Additionally, as many people my age find, I am needed in many aspects of my life including caring for my parents and children, as well as managing my own full time career. I will joyfully fulfill my complete term, of course, but then I need to put my energy back into my personal life. Although my time on the commission will be only six years, I feel like I have accomplished what I set out to do and so much more than I could have imagined. I’m so proud to have seen our community evolve in the ways it has.”
Since being elected, Goos has consistently engaged with residents to listen to the issues that most concern them and worked to address those concerns. Over the past five plus years, she has hosted and participated in numerous events with residents, including public meetings, “Coffee with the Commish” at local coffee shops as well as public parks, beaches and being available via email and phone.
“I have truly enjoyed our current city commission. We have, in my opinion, done an incredible job with transparency, openness and a willingness to figure out solutions that benefit both the city and it’s residents, while keeping our budget and financial needs in mind. We have incredibly solid leaders on our commission. Commissioners Binkley, Sarola and Thomas are incredibly hardworking individuals who will continue to improve and evolve our city for all in the manner of transparency and openness we have developed together. Additionally, Mayor Pro Tem Todman is leaving a legacy to be proud of and it has been my honor to serve these last five plus years along side her.”
“Finally, I want to say that our community is fortunate to have the caliber of people at the City of St. Joseph that we do. Every day they are trying to do their level best to serve and improve our Special Place on the Lake. I cannot thank them all enough for their professionalism, knowledge and abilities that they bring every day without fail.”
