On a Monday night in York, Pa., Michael Helfrich was among the regulars gathered inside First Capital Dispensing Co., a smoky bar where the two-man band Snack Club played Dolly Parton covers.
Mr. Helfrich took a drag from his cigarette and moved his foot to the beat. Formerly York’s mayor, he left office in January and has since taken a hiatus from all things political. “I’m completely out of it,” he said. “I’ve given over 100 per cent for a long time, so this was my time to step away. … I’m exhausted, you know? I fought and fought and fought since I was a teenager.”
