When Tallahassee voters choose their next mayor, one thing is certain: It won’t be three-term incumbent John Marks. Marks announced Tuesday he’s not seeking reelection and plans to focus on a nonprofit venture.
Marks’s announcement ends months of uncertainty after City Commissioner Andrew Gillum announced earlier this year he plans to run for mayor.
Marks says he and his son, a Florida State University professor, plan to start a non-profit foundation connecting underserved communities with technology.
When asked why he's not seeking reelection, he said, “I’ve been over a lot in the past 10 years. The city of Tallahassee has grown. We’ve done some very, very positive things. The city of Tallahassee is great. I think now is the time for us to look forward to the future. And I think maybe—maybe—what I can do for the city of Tallahassee I can do in another capacity. And I intend to try and do that.”
Marks’ term runs through 2014. He says he wants to focus his remaining 15 months on fully harnessing the potential of the city’s SmartGrid electrical infrastructure.
