MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — Martinsburg Mayor George Karos has confirmed he will not seek re-election in 2020.
In an official press release, Mayor Karos said he has received encouragement from local citizens and businesses to seek a sixth term.
“After considerable thought, I have made the decision not to seek a sixth term in the upcoming Municipal Election,” Karos said. “Over the past 43 years, I have enjoyed being a public servant, 24 years as an At-large Councilperson and the past 19 years as mayor. I look forward to the next several months continuing to serve as your Mayor.”
During his elected terms on Martinsburg City Council and mayor, Karos was part of numerous economic development projects. Those include the 1986 of Martinsburg City Hall and Police Department, the development of the Martinsburg Mall and Foxcroft Avenue, Historic Downtown re-development, the creation of Main Street Martinsburg, new water and wastewater facilities as well as the new police department headquarters and municipal court building currently under construction.
Karos said Wednesday he plans to continue volunteer services for the City of Martinsburg.
“I would like to thank everyone that has made my public service tenure successful: citizens, business community, local state and federal officials, the dedicated City of Martinsburg team of staff and employees and particularly, my wonderful supportive family,” Karos continued. “It has been an honor to serve the City of Martinsburg, its businesses and citizens.”
Mayor Karos said he will finished his term helping to prepare the fiscal year 2020-2021 budget and two public improvement projects: “North Queen Street Underpass Improvements Project” and the “Train Station Corridor Project”.