Halverson makes surprising announcement Thursday

By Brandi Makuski

Mayor Andrew Halverson has confirmed he will not seek a third term as Mayor of Stevens Point.

Halverson made the announcement on Thursday.

“Obviously this was a very long conversation with my family, and I have to tell you- to do this job right and to do it to the best of your ability, it requires so many evenings to be away from home,” Halverson said. “With three children at 8, 5 and 2, it really was time to make them the priority in my life. It’s unfair to them.”

He said finally addressing the Hoover Rd./Country Club Dr. overpass was the last on a list of items he wanted to address within the city. Now that those wheels are in motion, he said he can leave office knowing he accomplished what he set out for.

“It really gave me a sense of finality; it’s the perfect time to make my intentions very clear,” he said. “I also wanted to do it in plenty of time for individuals who perhaps have never thought of running a chance to really think about serving this community in that capacity,” Halverson said, noting he only had about two weeks to make up his own mind and put together a campaign in 2006, when Mayor Gary Wescott announced he would not seek re-election.

Halverson was first elected in 2007 and again in 2011, challenged in the most recent race by Alderman Mike Wiza, who continues to serve as 4th District representative.

Wiza on Thursday would not confirm whether he would again run for mayor, but did say he would decide “soon”.

Alderman Roger Trzebiatowski told City-Times staff on Thursday he says he hopes Alderman Jerry Moore runs for the position.

Moore said he’s considered running for mayor for some time, but has not made a decision yet, saying he would need to speak with his family before making any announcement. Moore has served as District 10 Alderman since 2000, making him the longest serving member of the Common Council. He also previously served as Council President and chairman of the Finance Committee.

Halverson said he hopes citizens from the private sector give some serious consideration to running for the office.

“It (the city) needs someone with vision, with entrepreneurial spirit, folks that understand finance and are willing to be decisive and to reach for things the city has never thought of,” he said. “Those are the kinds of traits you want in a mayor. I certainly hope individuals out there- especially in the private sector- really give that some thought. The community certainly needs that.”