SAN ANTONIO – City Councilman Joe Krier made it official Thursday: he will not seek another term in the District 9 seat.
“I’m optimistic about the future of the district and our city and that is why I have made the decision not to seek re-election,” Krier said in council chambers.
Krier feels he accomplished his goals and is self-imposing a term limit.
“I came here after listening to my constituents and them telling me they wanted some things done,” he said. “Once those things were done, I said its time to get somebody else who will have a new list of priorities.”
Krier joined the council aiming to get the city budget "back to basics,” sign a contract with the police union and tap into a new source of water for San Antonio.
The Vista Ridge Pipeline project is his proudest accomplishment.
"It secures the city's water future for at least the next 50 years,” Krier said. “And perhaps most important to me, it secures the water for military families for the next 50 years.’
Krier was appointed to the council to fill the vacant District 9 seat in 2013 and was elected the following year.
His work with local government, however, spans decades, dating back to his time as San Antonio Chamber of Commerce president.
His work with the City Council will continue through the city election in May 2017.
“Let me tell you something. I ain’t dead yet,” he joked with council colleagues. “And we have a lot of work to do with what I think will probably be the most difficult legislative session big cities have ever seen.”
As for what comes after that, Krier would only say he has a hard time saying no.
"I have failed retirement three times and I am not confident that I will do better the fourth time than I did the first three,” Krier laughed.
Following Krier’s public announcement Thursday, Mayor Ivy Taylor and some other council members said they would reserve their comments about their District 9 colleague until a goodbye gets closer.
Others chose to share their sentiments immediately.
“You've taught me a lot,” said District 4 Councilman Rey Saldana. “It's because you and I don’t agree on things. It's because you and I actually sit and talk about those disagreements that I get to learn.”
“It has been a pleasure working with you,” said Ron Nirenberg, representing District 8. “I’m going to miss debating you. I’m going to miss the collaborations we have had together.”
“Thank you for always making time for me we have great conversations,” said Robert Trevino, councilman in District 1. “You’ve always given me some great advice.”
Krier chose to make his announcement, he said, to give District 9 voters time to get to know whoever may be vying to fill his seat.
“I’m going to continue to be a District 9 resident so it's in my best interest as a voter to choose someone who is going to do a good job,” Krier said.