Simon municipal manager withdraws from re-election race

Vivi Marttila, the long-serving municipal manager of Simon in Lapland, has withdrawn her candidacy for another fixed-term appointment, she announced in an email to media on Friday.

Marttila, who has led the municipality since 2015, gave no reason for her decision but said she disapproves of the fixed-term nature of the post. The previous extension of her contract was granted without a competitive process, she noted.

“I will now take a breath during my just-begun holiday and then look ahead,” she said. “I feel we have managed the municipality’s affairs together with the residents in good spirits. I have tried to be humble and cooperative. This is my home municipality, and I wish it all the best, whoever leads it in the future.”

The municipal board is set to decide on the appointment at its meeting on Monday, 6 July. Only one candidate remains: Pertti Onkalo, currently director of technical services in Rovaniemi.

Lauri Niskala, chair of Simon’s municipal board, said the board does not intend to reopen the application process following Marttila’s withdrawal.

“We have had no issues with Vivi’s work as municipal manager. She has done a good job,” Niskala said, adding that the board will likely propose Onkalo for the post.