Carlisle Mayor Jon Plafcan, who filed to run for another term just a few weeks ago, is withdrawing his candidacy, saying he is ready to step away from the day-to-day demands of running the city.

“After careful consideration, I have decided that it is best that I no longer seek re-election to the office of Mayor at this time,” Plafcan said in a written statement posted Friday to the city’s website and Facebook page.

In an interview Sunday night with The Grand Prairie Herald, Plafcan, 73, said, “I’m an older guy now and just ready for some new blood to take over.”

His departure from the race leaves John Gray and Joseph “Joey” Russell vying to become Carlisle’s next mayor.

Plafcan said he submitted paperwork during the recent candidate filing period because “I knew I would let some people down if I didn’t run.”

But in his gut, Plafcan said, he knew he wanted to step back, spend more time with his grandchildren and not feel the day-to-day stress of running the city.

Plafcan had served on the Carlisle City Council for 14 years, representing Ward 2, Position 1, when longtime Mayor Ray Glover stepped down in early 2025, citing health issues. Plafcan became acting mayor and was later appointed by the council to fill the remainder of the term. 

“Throughout these 16 years of service, my commitment has always been to the people of Carlisle and to the continued growth, stability, and success of our town,” Plafcan said in a written statement emailed to the newspaper Sunday.

He said he believes the city has made progress in restoring order and accountability to its financial operations.

“Previous audits have been finalized, and the 2025 Water and Sewer audit and Legislative audit are current,” Plafcan wrote. “These steps have helped put the City back on a sounder financial path and provided a stronger foundation for the future.”

Plafcan also pointed to having all city departments fully staffed and the city receiving grants for municipal improvements as accomplishments of his administration.

“We have secured several grants that will benefit our community, and additional grant opportunities are in progress as we continue working to bring resources and improvements to our town,” he wrote.

In the interview, Plafcan acknowledged that being mayor can be stressful. He recalled that his first phone call after becoming mayor came from an angry resident complaining about a neighbor’s barking dog.

But he said such calls should be expected by city leaders.

Plafcan said he is optimistic about Carlisle’s future as the city pursues state grants to fund municipal improvements. At last week’s City Council meeting, members approved resolutions to seek two grants that together could provide $1.5 million for wastewater system improvements.

The council also approved applying for a FUN Park Grant from the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism to create a playground at City Park specifically for children ages 1 to 5.

Last month, Carlisle received a $15,000 state grant for the Fire Department to purchase a washer-extractor for firefighters’ personal protective equipment. The machine is designed to remove contaminants from protective gear used during emergency responses.

“I just felt more resolved that I’ve done what I needed to do for the city to finish out my administration,” Plafcan said.

His term expires at the end of the year.