After more than two decades on the Marina City Council, most of that time serving as mayor, Bruce Delgado will not seek reelection in November.
Delgado made the announcement at the conclusion of the council’s meeting on Tuesday, May 5.
“I’ve looked at this every which way I’ve can,” he said. “Every way I look at it, the conclusion is I want to run for reelection, but I should not run for reelection.”
Delgado added he wants to spend more time with family.
“The next four years are going to be my best years, and the next four after that are going to be the best years,” he said.
Delgado first served as a city councilmember from 2000-2004. He was elected to his first term as mayor in 2008 and has held the seat since.
In brief remarks, an emotional Delgado thanked the public, city staff and his fellow councilmembers.
“It’s quite an honor to be in this city every day interacting with people of all walks of life,” he said. “The experience as mayor is rewarding, fulfilling and satisfying, and it definitely takes its toll. But it’s worth every bit of the toll.”
Delgado encouraged others to run for office.
"Marina is stable financially with several great projects ongoing and full of wonderful people, city personnel and potential," he says.
Delgado’s announcement comes during a time of transition in the city’s top leadership. In February, City Manager Layne Long announced his retirement after 13 years with Marina. A search for a new city manager is underway.