GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt announced Monday, that his fourth term as mayor would be his last and that he will not be running again in 2019.
The announcement was made at the same place he entered the race 16 years ago.
“October 1st, 2002 I stood here at St. James Park and made my decision to run for Mayor, and on this October 1st, I have decided to step aside. I am not done today, I have every intention of finishing strong in the last six months.”
Schmitt said the reason not running again took a lot of thought and prayer.
“I have the energy and enthusiasm to do much more here, but I really feel that I am ready to begin a new chapter in my life.”
He said he also felt it would be the right thing to do since he has already served four terms.
“I am the guy who put in the referendum for 12-year term limits, maybe it would be a little disingenuous to run again for another four terms.”
Last year, Schmitt declared that he would not run again, but did add the caveat that it was subject to change if he didn’t like the field of candidates to replace him. While he did not offer an endorsement for any of the candidates, he did say he feels Green Bay will be in good hands.
“The candidates are the candidates and I know them all and like them all.”
With six candidates on the ballot now, Schmitt said one thing about the field did surprise him.
“I am surprised that a woman has not entered the race.”
The candidates that have entered the race include President of On Broadway, Inc. Peter Nugent, Brown County supervisors Patrick Buckley and Patrick Evans, Green Bay city council president Mark Steuer, Democratic state representative Eric Genrich and political newcomer Nick Mortensen.
During his 15-year career, Green Bay’s downtown has undergone a major revitalization, as well as significant improvements to Bay Beach and the number of neighborhood associations.
Schmitt came within one city council vote from losing his position in 2016, when he was convicted of three misdemeanor campaign finance violations.
“It has been a great 16 years, and I truly love each and every day.”
The mayoral primary is in February of 2019 and presently six candidates have announced their intention to run for the post.
“After the election, I will offer to be a resource for the new mayor should they want my input.”
Schmitt, who has been in office since 2003, invited the public to a celebration party in March of 2019.
