McLain withdraws from city council race

John “Jack” McLain announced today he is withdrawing his candidacy for a seat on the Maricopa City Council because his wife Jean has accepted a faculty position at the University of Arizona in Tucson.

McLain, a Vietnam veteran and the current commander of the Maricopa Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12043, announced he would run in late July. McLain had a 30-year career as a scientist, where he handled large-scale contract negotiations and managed other researchers in the pharmaceutical industry.

He has served Maricopa on the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Parks, Library and Recreation Committee.

Jean currently works for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The McLains moved to the Maricopa area eight years ago, first living in Hidden Valley, McLain said.

His said Jean’s job opportunity with the U of A came out of the blue.

“This is a good opportunity for her and I'm very proud of her,” McLain said. “It is not easy for me to disengage from what I’ve been doing (in Maricopa). I’m the participant; I’m the doer.”

McLain made his announcement in a letter he emailed to the press:

Dear Friends and Supporters,

A few weeks ago my wife Jeannie was offered a prestigious faculty position at the University of Arizona in Tucson. After much deliberation and consideration she has accepted the offer.

The result of this decision is that it will necessitate our move from Maricopa to Tucson in the very near future. Obviously, this move will preclude me from continuing my campaign for election to Maricopa City Council.

I want to sincerely thank the many people who believed in my capabilities and my vision for our city’s future and who encouraged me to run for a council seat. I am attempting to contact you all personally, but please understand time is short, the list is long, the clock is ticking and moving boxes need filling.