Lawrence mayoral candidate drops out

Little more than a month after announcing his candidacy for Lawrence mayor, Michael Fragin has dropped his bid for the village's top post, citing satisfaction that his opponent is well suited for the job as his reason for withdrawing.

The decision by Fragin, a Lawrence village trustee for the past two years, leaves Deputy Mayor Martin Oliner as the only mayoral candidate. Mayor Simon Felder announced on April 19 that he would not seek re-election, and would instead run for trustee in the June 15 village election. Potential candidates have until Tuesday to file necessary petitions to run for mayor or trustee.

"I believe that Marty Oliner has the right leadership and management skills to move the village of Lawrence past the challenges that we have encountered recently," said Fragin. "He has a strong management background."

Oliner has served on the village board for more than a decade, and has also become involved in issues affecting neighboring communities, such as fighting development on Rockaway Turnpike.

Oliner declined to comment on Fragin’s dropping out of the race, saying only, “I look forward to continuing to serve the people of Lawrence.”

Fragin announced his intention to run for mayor in late March, saying he would campaign on a platform of transparency, accountability and fiscal responsibility. He also considered a run for mayor in 2008 before being appointed a trustee by Felder.

The race for mayor may be uncontested, but a potential four-way race for two trustee spots is brewing. Incumbent Trustee Ed Klar has announced that he is planning to run for re-election, and Felder is seeking the spot on the board being vacated by Oliner in the at-large election. Lawrence Association member David Stein and attorney Faye Lowinger have also been gathering petitions for a trustee run.