Mayor Coleman Will Not Seek Fifth Term

In a surprise announcement, Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman said, Tuesday, he will not seek a fifth term. Coleman made the announcement alongside his cabinet and staff members and family and friends. U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty introduced Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman to a full city council chambers as a “great legend.” She called him a “history maker” who had “big ideas," faced with “big challenges,” someone who, ultimately, will become a “big legend." “We are very proud, and you should be very proud," Beatty said. "I love being mayor of Columbus. So I can barely say these words: I will not be running for a fifth term," Coleman said. A Columbus legacy Coleman's motto has always been “Columbus is the best place to live, work and raise a family.” And he recently said “mayor” was “the most important job in America.” But the job hasn’t come without a price. He recognized that, and his three children, noting his son, Justin, who was present. “My family has gone through a lot and sacrificed a great deal for me.” First elected in 1999, this is Coleman’s fourth term in office, 16 years. He noted he was 44 years old when he took the post. But now at 60, he said he has paused to think about his future. “There is so much more in life yet to do, mountains to climb and rivers to cross." he said. What's next? The decision wasn’t easily made. And it didn’t come without consideration for a fifth term. In fact, Coleman said he was putting together his next agenda. “And it ranges everywhere from housing issues, to job issues, to healthcare issues, I gotta lot of things I’d still love to do in the city. But it’s time to move on.” Congresswoman Beatty said Coleman “built” Columbus. While Coleman isn’t responsible for creating the city, he may be best known for his revitalizing Downtown. It was one of the first issues he tackled as mayor back in 2002. Working with business leaders, the massive Downtown renewal project, according to the city data, brought 3,000 jobs to the area, thousands of new apartments and condos and about $2 billion in new investment. Through the recession Coleman also was successful in convincing voters to pass an income tax increase during the recession, “That was not an easy time," Columbus City Council Member Hearcel Craig recalled. Craig remembers a period when there were threats of police and fire layoffs if voters rejected the tax hike. But in 2009 August, Columbus voters approved the first income tax increase in about 30 years. “You have to make tough decisions when you’re in political office," Craid said. "Not for your own self-aggrandizement but for the betterment of the people that you serve. This mayor has done that.” Coleman has taken up education in recent years. He made a big push in 2013 for passage of a Columbus City Schools levy. But voters soundly defeated it. The size of the levy and district mistrust following a data-rigging scandal was at the heart of the defeat. But defeat between successes is part of the job. Coleman is known for his approachable personality and inclusivity. And Columbus Auditor Hugh Dorrian said that personable demeanor has helped Coleman succeed. “I think the finest contribution Mayor Coleman has made to this community is building a trust between the citizens and the government," Dorrian said. "He’s just exceptional at that, and that’s one thing that I will always respect him for and remember him for.” Who is next? No one would speculate who may fill Coleman’s shoes. And Coleman wouldn’t say whether he’ll make a run for U.S. Congress in 2016, though some have speculated that’s possible he may run against U.S. Congressman Rob Portman, a republican. Coleman said his focus remains on capturing the Democratic National Convention...and just being mayor. “Running the city and improving the lives of the people who live here. That’s what I’ll be focused on.” Video of Coleman announcement below