Fargo Mayor Bruce Furness announced Wednesday he will not seek re-election to the city's top post next year.
Furness, 65, has suggested before he may step down when his third term is done next June, having served in this capacity since 1994.
Realizing his plans might dictate whether others decide to run, Furness said he thought now was time to make his decision official.
Though the next city election is a year away, Furness said he's already been getting calls from people thinking about running. He declined to say who has expressed interest.
Among those who previously have said they might run for mayor in 2006 are City Commissioner John Cosgriff, Fargo School Board member Arlette Preston and Fargo Operations Director Dennis Walaker.
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All said Wednesday they are still contemplating a run for mayor. Cosgriff has said he may decide by this fall, Preston said she doesn't expect to know until January or later and Walaker said he will likely make a decision in the next six weeks.
Cosgriff's commission term expires in June 2006, while Preston's School Board term also is done then. Walaker plans to retire by August 2006.
Rep. Al Carlson said Wednesday he also is considering a run for mayor and will decide by the end of the year. Carlson would otherwise be up for re-election to his state post in 2006.
The mayor's job is part-time, commanding an annual salary of $25,014.29. However, Furness is known for keeping full-time hours - an issue that could creep up during this mayoral election.
"He's set an extremely high standard," Walaker said. "He put in his 40-plus hours all the time, and that's something that speaks to his character."
Still, the otherwise-retired Furness said he's been trying to cut back recently. He's not concerned about what might happen if the city's next mayor has a job outside City Hall.
It may just mean a change in how the mayor manages, he noted. For instance, he or she may need to delegate more and may need to rely more on the city's committees.
Prior to becoming Fargo's mayor, Furness was a city commissioner.
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Though Fargo now has a three-term limit in place, Furness would technically be eligible for one more term because the law was made while he was already in office. He is grandfathered into the old system.
Furness said he originally planned to serve just eight years as mayor, but then decided to run for a third term, hoping to keep chipping away at some of the things he wanted to accomplish.
He eventually came to realize "the list never ends."
Progress has been made in Fargo over the years with issues like economic growth, underground infrastructure and public safety, he said. Water will likely be a major issue in the years ahead, he added.
Furness's name also has been thrown around in political circles regarding a possible run for state office, but he said he won't seek out any other elected positions.
When asked what he would do with all of his free time once his time at City Hall is done, Furness jokingly replied, "I'm going to sit in my rocker and rock."
Readers can reach Forum reporter Mary Jo Almquist at (701) 241-5531
