Freeseman Will Not Seek Re-Election to Charles City City Council, Chooses Retirement Instead

A Charles City councilman is stepping aside after two decades in office.

Councilman DeLaine Freeseman, also the current Mayor Pro Tem, says he is not running for re-election to the City Council, noting in a statement to KCHA/KCZE, “I am completing my twentieth year of service on the council this year. Having retired three years ago, and my wife’s retirement last year, we are looking forward to having more time to travel and enjoy retirement.”

Freeseman adds,  “I believe it is a good time to step aside as Phoebe (Pittman), Phillip (Knighten), and Patrick (Lumley) all have experience behind them, and are doing a great job on the council. Mayor (Dean) Andrews is providing a steady hand as well, so I think our city government is in good hands.”

Freeseman also notes, “I greatly appreciate the opportunity to have served the community as a council person and have appreciated the confidence of those who elected me in the past. Thank you!”

Freeseman did not file to seek re-election by last Thursday’s (09.18) deadline, but Lumley did file to run again. Councilwoman Krista Noah also filed to seek her first official term after being appointed to the Council following the resignation of Keith Starr. Jeff Otto, who also threw his hat in the ring to fill Starr’s seat, but was not picked as the appointee, has also filed to run for Council. 

Charles City Mayor Dean Andrews has also filed to seek another term and is the only candidate to file by the last week’s deadline.