Politics & Government
Maple Grove City Council Member To Retire After Decades Of Service
Mayor Mark Steffenson said he would seek re-election in November after City Council member Phil Leith announced his impending retirement.
MAPLE GROVE, MN — Maple Grove City Council member Phil Leith will not run for a fifth term in office, he announced last week.
Leith first took his seat on the City Council in 2007. He’s set to step down from the board when his fourth term expires at the end of 2022.
Leith said he decided last year against seeking re-election to focus more of his time and energy on his business. The councilman is president and CEO of Leith Sourcing, a chemical sales agency and distribution business.
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“I’m not going to run for re-election this fall,” Leith said while choking back tears. “I’m going to call it a career at 22 years.”
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“My business has been exceeding my expectations, and it’s demanding more and more of my time, which is a good thing,” Leith said. “But I just don't have the time for campaigning or continuing."
He was a member of the city’s planning commission and the Maple Grove Long Range Improvement Committee before his election to the council, CCX Media reported.
Leith said he announced his retirement in June because he “didn’t want the filing period to come and go” without potential candidates knowing his intentions. Candidates for Maple Grove city offices can file to run from Aug. 2-16.
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Maple Grove Mayor Mark Steffenson said he will seek re-election in November after Leith announced his retirement. Steffenson was appointed Maple Grove mayor in August 2001 and was first elected to the office in November 2002.
Council member Karen Jaeger said she intends to seek another term, while Kristy Janigo is also running for a seat on the Maple Grove City Council in November.
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