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Former Altoona mayor and city councilman Bill Schirf is running again for council.
Schirf won election for council in 2005, then for mayor in 2009.
He didn't run for re-election as mayor in 2013 because his wife, Kathy, was ill, and he needed to take over homemaking duties, he said.
But Kathy's health has improved, and he'd like to try for council for one or two more terms, said Schirf, who is 66.
Schirf, a Republican, cited his leadership as mayor during the time council entered the state's Act 47 distressed municipalities program, which has helped turn annual budget crises into a cruise on "autopilot," he said.
Council expects to exit Act 47 at the end of this year, after five years.
"Act 47 has worked," Schirf said.
Even after his retirement as mayor, Schirf shared ideas for city advancement with council, including a "five-year action plan," he said.
He said he gets along with his successor, Mayor Matt Pacifico -- whose job is now full time, as a result of changes made when the city went to home rule at the beginning of 2016.
He doesn't plan to run for mayor again himself, he said.
If elected to council, he would be a team player, seek to "hold the line" on property taxes, help develop new housing units and new housing strategies, fight crime and blight and help create jobs and recreation projects, he said.
He plans to conduct a modest campaign, meeting people and attending events, but not forming a campaign committee or placing signs.
There are four council seats open for the coming elections -- those occupied by Michael Haire, Dave Butterbaugh, Matt Cacciotti and Christie Jordan, according to Pacifico.
Mirror Staff Writer William Kibler is at 949-7038.