Civic Leader Jim Wieboldt Drops Out of 2012 Race for La Mesa City Council

La Mesa Parking Commission chairman Jim Wieboldt has confirmed to La Mesa-Mount Helix Patch that he has dropped out of the race for city council in 2012.

Wieboldt, who also works in the Crime Prevention Unit of the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, said that he has taken his name out of consideration for one of the two available council seats, citing "personal reasons."

Wieboldt said he will endorse Shannon O'Dunn for city council. O'Dunn announced her candidacy last week, according to La Mesa Today.

"The wife and I stand behind Shannon," Wieboldt said. "We’ve known her for years. We think she’ll be the best fit, as well as I think Ruth Sterling will do a good job in another term."

Wieboldt has lived in La Mesa since 1960 and graduated from Grossmont High School in 1975. He also has been active in the La Mesa Village Merchants Association. His wife, Kelly, is president of Unique Travel Concepts, a local travel agency.

In 2006, Wieboldt ran for city treasurer against Eldon "Bud" Vogt and lost.

He is the founding chairman of the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce.

Candidates for 2012 city council will be vying for one open seat (Dave Allan) and one contested seat (Ruth Sterling).