OGDEN -- An emotional Mayor Matthew Godfrey said Thursday he won't seek a fourth term in November's general election.
"I don't think I'm needed here any more," Godfrey said at a news conference, noting that he has fulfilled most of his goals for the city since first being elected in 1999. "It's time for me to move on to other ventures."
Godfrey was joined for the announcement outside his office on the ninth floor of the Municipal Building by his wife, Monica, and the city's department heads. Godfrey was first elected when he was 29, making him the youngest mayor in Ogden's history. He will complete his third term in December.
Godfrey said he hasn't determined what his new career path will be, but said he is looking for a challenging job in the private sector.
"I would like something difficult," said Godfrey, who has ruled out the possibility of seeking another elected office.
Godfrey said he is extremely pleased with his administration's accomplishments.
"We are very entrepreneurial," he said, adding that his staff is the best of any city in the nation.
Police Chief Jon Greiner, who attended the news conference, said Godfrey is largely responsible for the outstanding quality of life that residents now enjoy. "Ogden has seen a renaissance in the last 12 years," he said.
Godfrey ticked off a list of accomplishments during his tenure.
He noted the city has successfully branded itself as an outdoor recreation mecca and has won top ranking from many national publications for its quality of life. That reputation has allowed the city to land several major athletic events, including the Dew Tour and Ogden Marathon, he said.
Godfrey added that since his taking office, the city has attracted companies, businesses and operations that have provided 9,000 jobs. He added that more than 2,000 people have relocated to the downtown area, and about 90 acres in the heart of the city are under development.
Godfrey's tenure has not been without its critics, who say the mayor proposed numerous projects that did not come to fruition, including a gondola from downtown to Weber State University and to Malan Basin, and an ice-climbing tower. Godfrey also touted his downtown development at The Junction, but critics cite empty spaces and possible long-term costs to city taxpayers.
Former State Rep. Neil Hansen, a Democrat from Ogden, said Godfrey's tenure hasn't been all rosy.
"Three terms is plenty for anybody to be mayor," said Hansen, who twice ran for mayor but lost in the primary both times. "He has done some good things for the city but not without controversy. There has been a lot things he has promised that haven't come to fruition."
Hansen said he hasn't decided whether to run for mayor again in November.
Godfrey said that during his time in office Ogden's crime rate has decreased, and the city should be debt-free in a few years.
"The city is in a great financial position," he said.
Looking ahead to November, Godfrey said he doesn't plan to endorse any candidate to succeed him because voters are smart enough to figure out on their own who to support.
Candidates who have registered campaign committees for mayor so far include City Councilman Brandon Stephenson; Jonny Ballard, the city's community development manager; and Mike Caldwell, who is employed by Weber County as its public information officer, RAMP grant program manager and director of the Ice Sheet.
Ballard praised Godfrey for his years of service.
"The amount of time and effort Mayor Godfrey has served our community is commendable," he said in an e-mail to the Standard-Examiner.
Caldwell also touted Godfrey's work ethic.
"Whether you agree or disagree (with him) he fought hard, and I certainly respect that," he said. "He was tenacious. I respect anyone who steps into public service and works hard for the community."
Stephenson said Godfrey has been beneficial for Ogden.
"Matt Godfrey has done an awful lot for the city," he said. "There is marked difference in the energy in the city that I credit to Mayor Godfrey and other people. My hope is that whoever ends up as mayor will keep that same energy and economic revitalization in the downtown area moving forward."
This topicis being discussed at The Weber County Forum.
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