Provo Mayor John Curtis announced Tuesday morning that he won’t run for a third term as mayor.
In a video message posted on his blog, Curtis said he’s thought hard about another term. “After almost a year of heavy deliberation, I have decided not to seek a third term. … (It’s) based on a deep feeling inside that it’s the right thing for me to do.”
He says he doesn’t know what he’ll do next, but it will be “big, fun and exciting.”
Curtis is announcing now, about seven months before the candidate filing period, to give quality candidates time to decide and prepare. The Provo mayor position is a full-time job, and candidates may have to rearrange their careers to prepare, he said.
“I look forward to another year in office working side-by-side with you as we continue to make Provo a better place to call home.” —Provo Mayor John Curtis
“I felt like I owed it to the city to get good candidates,” Curtis said.
Curtis has more than a year left of his second term in office, and he says he plans on running at full speed as long as he’s mayor. Soon, he’ll be announcing his goals for the last year of his term.
“I look forward to another year in office working side-by-side with you as we continue to make Provo a better place to call home.”
But even though he’s still pushing forward as mayor, he’s looking back at what’s happened during his time in office. His greatest accomplishment: The good vibes about Provo. “The good feelings residents have about the city, the general, overall pride in the city.”
What he won’t miss about being mayor: having no breaks from the public eye. “It’s hard always being in the public eye. But it’s a great tool. I’m a better person.”
Eventually, he may seek another political office, but he hasn’t made a decision about that yet.
“For now I need a break. But no one should be surprised if I show up again in the political arena.” —Provo Mayor John Curtis
“For now I need a break,” he said. “But no one should be surprised if I show up again in the political arena.”
But even if he doesn’t run for another office, he says he’ll continue to be involved in Provo. “I live in Provo too, and I love our city.”
Curtis has more than a year left of his second term in office, and he says he plans on running at full speed as long as he’s mayor.
“I look forward to another year in office working side-by-side with you as we continue to make Provo a better place to call home.”
Watch Curtis’ whole video announcement below.
Updated to include interview with Curtis on Tuesday, Nov. 1, at 3:30 p.m.