Ward 2 Councilmember Lauren Schueler announced on Facebook Friday she will not seek re-election in 2024.
Schueler has served in her role for over two years after being appointed to the role in 2021 and later winning election in 2022. Her term will end on July 2, 2024, concluding her time on council.
In the post, Schueler wrote she still has things she would like to work on in the last 10 months of her term, including updating the city noise ordinance, working on plans related to Norman’s Gaps Analysis Action Plan and continuing conversations about franchise agreement.
Schueler also noted conversations involving the proposed entertainment district, updating the city’s comprehensive plan and the future of Griffin Memorial Hospital’s land.
“This journey has had its ups and its downs, but overall I am extremely proud of the work we have done together in that time,” Schueler wrote. “Norman is at a pivotal moment, and I’m proud to be a small part of helping us as a community navigate these important issues.”
Schueler wrote that residents expect council members to be available all of the time, making the job one that requires full-time attention for just $100 a month.
“It may not come as a surprise to anyone that serving as a councilmember is a tireless, thankless position,” Schueler wrote. “I’ve tried to hold myself to the highest standards of these expectations because I take being your elected representative very seriously, but the pace is unsustainable.”
Schueler pointed to the Norman City Council’s turnover rate, noting she has served with 14 different members in her two years. Ward 6 Councilmember Elizabeth Foreman announced earlier this year she would not be seeking re-election as well. Schueler wrote residents should consider why other council members have opted not to run again.
“Yes, elected officials should be held accountable with your votes, but the turnover isn’t only a matter of voting people out, but of many people choosing to step aside,” Schueler wrote.
Though a challenging one, Schueler wrote the decision is in the best interest of her and her family, saying she will turn to focus on her mental and physical health and a full-time job.
“I’ll always stay committed to making Norman the best city it can be,” Schueler wrote.
This article was edited by Alexia Aston.
