Gudaitis will not seek second term on council Jason Gudaitis JACKSON - Township Council Vice President Jason Gudaitis has announced that he will not seek re-election in the May municipal election. Gudaitis was elected to Jackson's new government in May 2006 and will conclude two years of service in June. Three four-year seats on the governing body will be up for grabs in the nonpartisan election this spring. In a press release announcing his decision, Gudaitis said, "When I first decided to run for elected office in Jackson my thoughts were only of making this township a better place to live. Having just married and with plans to raise my family here, I knew it was an opportunity to have a positive impact on a township deeply in need of change. With the residents voting for that change by way of a new government that would soon take effect, I believed it was time to step in and do what I could for the betterment of Jackson. "By working closely with fellow council members and the mayor, we began to tackle [many] challenges that existed and [I believe] we have made much progress," Gudaitis said. "The children of the township have new athletic fields to play on, we have a beautifully renovated Johnson Park, we have open public budget workshops to invite resident participation and comment and we have paid down debt and properly financed new improvements." Gudaitis said he worked with residents, such as those individuals who live in Jackson's mobile home parks, to give them a voice in the community. But he said, "Since taking office my life has changed. The time and effort necessary in fulfilling my oath of office that was once manageable has become more difficult due to a recent job promotion. "The duties, demands and responsibilities that come with my employment have increased drastically. Still, through proper time administration, even this has been manageable and I would be comfortable seeking a second term." However, he said, "It is my intention to start [a] family in the very near future. Knowing the demands this will bring, it would be unfair to my family as well as to you, the residents, to remain for another four years. I would be doing a disservice to one or both by not being able to put forth my very best effort on either front, at home or at town hall. If that were the case, I would find it hard to sleep at night." Gudaitis said although he has chosen not to seek re-election, he will continue to work hard for the residents of Jackson for the remainder of his term. "Much can and will be accomplished over the course of the next five months and I will finish what I started with the same high level of intensity and dedication," he said. "Once my term ends, it is not my intention to leave public service. I will contribute in whatever ways possible, be it through a township board, commission or charitable organization. "I will continue to fight for what I believe is the right thing to do for the township and I will do the research I need to be informed. I will be present at meetings of the council as a resident to know the truth and to hold my government officials accountable, no matter who wins in May."