Former City Councilmember Ben Burtnett says deteriorating health  led him to reconsider running for Mayor of Saint Joseph. Burtnett says he was looking forward to a friendly campaign against incumbent Mayor Bill Falkner, but mounting health problems have forced him to withdraw.

Burtnett says the first person he told was Falkner, who he considers a friend. Burnett then officially notified City Clerk Paula Heyde and Buchanan County Clerk Mary Baack-Garvey on Monday.