MONROE — Mayor Louis Armstrong, first elected to the city’s top job in 2016, announced recently that he will not try for another two-year term in the spring race.

The Common Council Monday also welcomed its newest alderperson, local business owner, Christopher Schindler, to an at-large position previously held by Bryan Doyle.

For his part, Armstrong said that while he has enjoyed leading the city, the time commitment of his civic duties was too much to continue for another term. And even though it’s technically a part-time post, the commitment to service isn’t always obvious to the casual observer.

“As a lot of us know, there are, behind the scenes … a lot of work that goes on that I think a lot of the public never sees,” said Armstrong, at the council’s regular meeting Dec 6. 

With the window for requesting nominating papers for the upcoming election opened on Dec. 1, Armstrong added that he wanted make his intentions public to allow those interested in running to make a decision.

Schindler, meanwhile, was appointed by a unanimous vote over the only other interested candidate, Heidi Treuthardt. He was sworn in immediately after the vote at the Dec. 6 meeting.

“I want to help grow the city,” Schindler said of his decision to join the council. “Using common sense to make decisions.”

Among his local business interests, the 38-year-old Schindler is owner of Friendly Inn and part owner of Badger State Cold Storage in Monroe. He has lived in the city his entire life, he said.

Ald. Joshua Binger said Schindler will be a welcome voice on the council.

“Knowing Chris from when we were kids and that he is a lifelong resident of Monroe, I know he wants to be a part of helping to shape the future of Monroe,” Binger said. “He brings with him years of experience as a successful business owner and I look forward to his perspective and working with him on City Council.” 

The spring general election is slated for April 5.