Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - Rochester Mayor Ardell Brede has been hinting for months and Wednesday night he made it official -he will not run for another term.

Brede’s announcement came at the end of his annual State of the City address to the City Council and citizens. Brede was given a standing ovation by the council and others at the meeting.

He first took office in 2003. His term expires at the end of the year.

Here is his official announcement:

In closing, people, including the media have been asking for the past year, “Are you going to run again?” “With new knees, I will be able to run again.” The potential is to have a record 20 years of service. Former Mayor Chuck Hazama once told me, “go ahead, and beat my record of 17 or 18 years.” There have been many respected members in the community that strongly encourage me to run again, but of course, there are those that not so quietly or via social media state or predict the opposite with some negativity. It is humbling to have people I respect deeply say the City needs a steady and respected Mayor especially at a time we are losing so many outstanding staff to retirement.

While I will continue to give 100% to representing this great city I will not be seeking re-election in 2018. It has been a unique honor to serve Rochester as your Mayor and while we are not Bedford Falls, “It’s Been a Wonderful Life”.

Happy New Year and God Bless!

Ardell F. Brede, Mayor

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