McCoy Not Seeking a Third Term as Mayor

Mayor Jason McCoy on Friday said he will not seek a third term as the town's chief executive and will spend some time with his family and law practice.

Then, he said, he will explore a run for the U.S. Senate.

McCoy's speech at a late-afternoon news conference was short - just 231 words - and to the point.

He completely surprised two key players in attendance - state Republican party chairman Jerry Labriola and state Rep. Timothy Ackert, took no questions, and retired to his office with Labriola immediately after he was done. Ackert was asked to join them a short time later.

Labriola said he thought he would be attending a re-election announcement. Ackert said he would work with the local party to find a candidate.

McCoy's actual delivery differed from the released text. He was clear in his speech he wanted to devote time to his family and local law practice before running for another office.

He called Patch about an hour after the news conference to say the Senate bid is in the exploratory stages and nothing else.

His announcement leaves the Vernon Republicans without their top incumbent four days before their scheduled caucus. When asked over the phone if he would change his mind if anyone tried to coerce him, McCoy said, "No … I'm done.''

He then repeated an element of his speech.

''I've done all I can do in Vernon,'' he said.

McCoy said the local Republicans would have some type of candidate announcement on Monday.

McCoy did preside over a budget session that produced a $79.3 million spending package that is lowering property taxes by $15 on average for this fiscal year. 

''In Vernon, over the last four years, we have lowered taxes, we have reduced the cost of government, we have reduced spending in real dollars, and we have changed the economic environment to promote job opportunity and economic growth while expanding the tax base,'' he said. ''Part of this success has been due to the election of fiscal conservatives to the Vernon Town Council and Vernon Board of Education.''

McCoy said he is not leaving Vernon.

"Vernon is my home. It's where I work,'' he said. ''I am staying Vernon and I will continue to work for the party.''