The election for Mayor of Albert Lea this year will not include an incumbent, for the second election cycle in a row.

Bob Haukoos announced this morning that he will not seek a second term as the city’s mayor.

&uot;I’ve been on the public payroll for 45 years and it’s time to stop,&uot; said Haukoos.

According to Haukoos, he’s accomplished what he wanted to, for the most part, during his term as mayor, including improving relations between the city and county. Convincing city staff to be more open with people, sharing more information when asked, and promoting a &uot;friendly&uot; city hall were also priorities, Haukoos said.

Haukoos said he would like to have an end to the Farmland situation and more businesses starting up or locating in Albert Lea, but he thinks that some momentum has now been created and things will continue to get better in the future.

Spending time with his three grandchildren in California is going to be among his priorities now, although he will be staying involved in local politics and government whenever he thinks his contributions can make a difference, he said.

Public service is a good career, he said.

&uot;It kind of gets in your blood,&uot; Haukoos said.