South Salt Lake » This industrial burg south of Utah's capital will have a new mayor in 2010.
On Thursday, South Salt Lake Mayor Bob Gray announced he will not seek a second term in this year's municipal election. The news came at the end of his annual State of the City address to the South Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce.
"This part may make some of you very happy. It may make some of you not so happy," Gray said. "Due to family interests and some other reasons, I have decided that I will not seek re-election."
The news came as a surprise to city employees who had expected Gray to seek another term. His decision leaves the mayoral race wide open. Gray, in an interview, said he does not know of any candidates planning to enter the contest, nor does he have a successor in mind.
"That's up to the citizens, not me," he said, noting he plans to retire to spend more time with his four grandchildren.
At least one City Council member, Shane Siwik, is considering a run for mayor.
"I want everyone to know that I love this city with all my heart," Gray said during his remarks. "I thank you for your support. That means a lot to me."
Chamber members gave Gray a standing ovation.
"We're very grateful to his dedication and the things he's done for us," said Chamber President Stacey Liddiard. "He certainly has been able to prepare the city and put it in a better position than it's been in for a very long time."
Attendee Rob Timmerman, coordinator of the nonprofit South Salt Lake Coalition for Drug-free Youth, said he's excited for the city's "next phase."
"There will be a lot of other leaders who will pop in and throw their hats in," Timmerman said. "A lot of people are very passionate about South Salt Lake."
Gray's speech highlighted recent city successes, from the construction of new homes to the acquisition of Pioneer Craft House with the help of Salt Lake County Zoo, Arts and Parks (ZAP) funds. South Salt Lake has received about $1.5 million in federal grants this year, including $480,000 to spruce up State Street, $500,000 for after-school gang prevention programs and $219,000 for police equipment.
"We have stopped the decline and now we're moving forward in bettering our city," Gray said.
Bob Gray, 68, joined the South Salt Lake Police Department as an officer in 1973 and left the agency in 1997 as police chief. He served eight years on the South Salt Lake City Council before winning the mayoral seat in 2005.
