Mayor Bach will not run for re-election

Colorado Springs Mayor Steve Bach announced Monday that he will not seek a second term in office.

“This spring will be the time for the next mayor to build on the positive direction of the city,” Bach said. “It has been a tremendous honor to serve my fellow citizens. My wife, Suzi, and I love Colorado Springs and believe in its future. We’re thankful for all of the city employees and volunteers who have achieved so much during our time. We’ll always be at the front of the parade of supporters for our city,” he said.

Bach was Colorado Springs’ first mayor under the strong mayor form of government, which voters approved in November 2010. Under this form of government, the mayor serves as the executive branch while the city council serves as the legislative branch.

The city previously had a weak mayor form of government in which the mayor had no formal authority. City government under that system was made up of a city council with a city manager filling a role similar to that of a corporate CEO.

Five people have announced their candidacy to fill Bach’s seat. They are former Colorado Springs Mayor Mary Lou Makepeace, former Colorado Springs city councilman Joel Miller, El Paso County Commissioner Amy Lathen, Colorado Attorney General John Suthers and Colorado Springs real estate agent Justine Herring.

Colorado Springs voters will elect their next strong mayor on April 7, 2015.