ROCK FALLS – Local businessman Allen Boseneiler said Wednesday that he is dropping out of the mayoral race and instead will support City Clerk Bill Wescott, who is challenging incumbent Mayor David Blanton.

Boseneiler said he decided to run to bring attention to issues he considers important, especially what he saw as the city's attempt to move state agencies from Sterling to Rock Falls.

He also organized a petition drive to ask voters whether Rock Falls should borrow $7.3 million to develop the riverfront, but he failed to get enough signatures to qualify a referendum.