Eric Lacy, Justin A. Hinkley, and Alexander Alusheff

Lansing

LANSING - Mayor Virg Bernero surprised the city Monday by annoucing he will not seek a fourth term.

The decision, first announced on Bernero's Facebook page, came less than a week after state Rep. Andy Schor, D-Lansing, announced his own candidacy for mayor and with At-Large Council Member Judi Brown Clarke also weighing a run — setting up potentially the most competitive field Bernero would have faced since being elected in 2005.

During an interview Monday afternoon in Bernero's office, the mayor told the Lansing State Journal he doesn't know what his future plans are.

"Beats me," Bernero said. "I'm thinking about the next 10 months. I'm going to finish strong. It's going to be a great year." He did say he plans to remain in Lansing after leaving office.

On Feb. 17, Bernero had released a statement that was critical of Schor and indicated he was "ready to reapply for my job" and had plans to "run on my record."

Related:

Q&A: Bernero explains decision not to run, future plans

Schor makes Lansing mayoral run official

Judi Brown Clarke hasn't ruled out mayoral run

In his Facebook statement, Bernero said "I must put my family first now" and cited his 25 years of public service, which includes time on the Ingham County Board of Commissioners and in the Michigan Legislature.

"With my 91-year-old father, Giulio, living with us, I simply cannot do justice to the city and my family, while running a 7-month campaign, though I still have a lot of competitive spirit in me," Bernero wrote.

Bernero also stressed family in the LSJ interview, with his wife Teri and two daughters present. "If I were a bachelor I would probably run again. But if I ran again I would probably be a bachelor," he quipped.

Bernero's decision shocked some while also prompting statements of praise for his accomplishments.

Schor first reacted via email: "I thank him for his leadership navigating this city through tough times and wish him and his family all the best as he transitions to the next phase of his career and life."

In a follow-up interview, Schor said Bernero's departure wouldn't affect his own campaign. "I'm running on my vision and my record," he said. "My path stays the same."

Clarke told the LSJ she plans to announce her decision on a mayoral run within days. About Bernero, she said: "I thank the mayor for his last 12 years of leadership and appreciate his passion for the city."

Among the accomplishments Bernero cited in his statement are leveraging "more than $2.3 billion in new economic development that has retained and created more than 12,000 jobs" and the fact that Lansing has become "the second city in the nation to remove all of the lead water pipes in the city."

But there also were difficult moments. In early 2016, he was at the focal point of controversy over the departure of then City Attorney Janene McIntyre, who left with a $160,000 settlement agreement that included nondisparagement clauses and financial penalties for violating them. The controversy lingered for weeks as frustrated City Council members and citizens demanded answers.

Bernero self-styled as the "angriest mayor in America" during the Great Recession, appearing as a frequent guest on cable news to discuss problems facing America's manufacturing cities and to advocate for the auto industry bailout that ultimately won federal support.

"He was with us during tough times,” recalled Mike Green, president of UAW Local 652, which represents workers at General Motors' Lansing Grand River Assembly plant. “He wasn’t afraid to speak out.”

In Lansing, Bernero's "angry mayor" persona sometimes ruffled feathers on the City Council. There also were worries that the mayor's abrasive style was hindering the growth of regional cooperation that some civic and business leaders believe is essential for the region to thrive.

Like others, Green noted that the union didn't always see eye-to-eye with Bernero. “We often agreed with the mayor and we often disagreed with the mayor, he said. "For the most part he did a good job. I appreciate his service to the city.”

Former Mayor David Hollister said in an interview that he didn't see Bernero's announcement coming. During a conversation with Hollister a few weeks ago, Bernero mentioned a campaign fundraiser coming up and the mayor's scheduled State of the City Address next month.

"I know the job does take a toll physically, emotionally and with family time," Hollister said. "I wasn't shocked when I heard, but I was a bit surprised. I know his personality and how he tends to be all in with whatever he does."

As of 5 p.m. Monday, Bernero's campaign website votevirg.com was still able to receive donations. Bernero told the LSJ that all campaign money he has raised is expected to go to charity.

"I'm kind of speechless," about the decision, said Lansing police Detective Brad St. Aubin, head of the police union's non-supervisory division. "We’ve had our ups and downs during his tenure, and yet we've always tried to do what was right for the citizens."

Eric Weber, head of the city's firefighters union, said he was impressed with Bernero's leadership as the city mourned the death of firefighter Dennis Rodeman in 2015, and that the mayor could always have frank conversations.

"He's been a good leader for the City of Lansing and a friend to firefighters," Weber said.

Developer Joel Ferguson, vice chairman of the Michigan State University board, said the city should not expect Bernero to be a lame-duck mayor or to leave the spotlight altogether. Ferguson is part of an investment group proposing the Red Cedar Renaissance, a $380 million project that may need financial incentives from the city to come together.

"He'll stay as mayor until the day his term ends," Ferguson said. "He's an original. He's very candid, and he's a very honest person, and he's combative. No middle ground with him ... He believes in Lansing, and he will still be a very active person."

Bernero himself suggested as much, saying in his statement "I will spend the next 10 months continuing to build our city up, rather than tear an opponent down. I will put the finishing touches on some key developments and begin some transformational projects before the end of my tenure."

Tim Daman, president of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, praised Bernero for progress made during his 12 years at the helm.

"We appreciate the Mayor’s energy, passion and dedication to make Lansing a stronger business community and our city a better place to live, work and thrive. We wish Mayor Bernero and his family all the best."