Letter to the Editor: Mendota Heights Council Member Jack Vitelli Passes the Torch

Editor's Note: This letter was sent out to various contacts by Jack Vitelli, Mendota Heights council member. He has shared it with Patch to explain his decision to not run in this November's election.

I have served the residents of Mendota Heights for the past 14 years; two years on the City Planning Commission and 12 years on the City Council. It has been a pleasure working with Mendota Heights’ residents, our City Council members and our dedicated staff. I have been particularly impressed with the professionalism and intelligence of fellow City Council members over these 12 years. This is why the City functions so well and our tax rate is the lowest in the metropolitan area. However, I am getting up in age and I had felt that, at the proper time, it would be best if I was replaced with someone who better represented the changing, more youthful demographic of our City.

When Steve Norton filed for the office of City Council I gave pause and thought that Steve may be the right person to whom to pass the torch. Steve has demonstrated leadership and a willingness to dedicate the time necessary as he currently serves as Chairman of our Mendota Heights Planning Commission. Steve graduated from St. Thomas Academy, St.John’s University, and the William Mitchell College of Law and is now an Assistant District Attorney for Washington County.

Thus, I have withdrawn my name as a candidate for the City Council of Mendota Heights.

Jack Vitelli

Mendota Heights