Apel Not Seeking Another Term As Mayor

Vernon Mayor George F. Apel announced on Thursday that he will not seek a second term in the town's top elected office.

The announcement was made via a news release issued by the local Republican Party. The GOP endorsement caucus is scheduled for July 23.

Apel, a former member of the Vernon Town Council and Board of Education, was elected in November 2011.

“Due to health issues, I am not sure that I can give the time and effort necessary to continue as mayor,” Apel said. He was 76 when he was nominated for the last election in July 2011 and has had surgery three times over the past 12 months.

As far as his responsibilities, Apel has rarely missed a beat. He cited the consolidation of Information Technology services and the upgrade of the town’s network as a major hallmark of his administration.

“Bringing information technology services for the town and the Board of Education together under one jurisdiction has served both entities well and has set a solid foundation for the future.”

Apel is also proud of his economic development record. He was a key player in the recent announcement that a national firm specializing in loss mitigation refinancing has introduced a massive plan to revitalize - and essentially rebuild - the commercial district of Downtown Rockville along West Main Street. 

The announcement came on the heels of Tractor Supply moving into town in the fall. 

Apel has also insisted that the movement among smaller business has also been significant. More than 30 businesses have either moved into Vernon, relocated within the town's boundaries or renovated their existing buildings during his term.

“I take pride in the economic development that has taken place during my tenure," he said. "There is good reason to be optimistic about our future. Not only is there the hope of a complete  revitalization of downtown Rockville, but also, many new businesses have opened in Vernon, and many existing establishments have expanded in the past two years.”

Apel has said that perhaps the most gratifying of all his accomplishments during the past two years has been "the civility and cooperation" that he has experienced with the Town Council.

“My highest priorities when I ran for mayor were to restore decorum in the Council Chambers, to create a business atmosphere and foster a sense of cooperation and respect between the Mayor and the Town Council. I believe that I have accomplished that and of that I am extremely proud.”

When contacted on Thursday night, Republican Town Committee Chairman Harold "Hal" Cummings said a mayoral candidate announcement could be made as early as Monday.

"For a part-time mayor, Mayor Apel went far above the call of duty," Cummings said.