Hays City Commissioner Kent Steward has announced he will not run for re-election in the upcoming spring elections.

Steward, director of University Relations at Fort Hays State University, offered the following statement Tuesday afternoon:

“I have decided not to run for re-election to the Hays City Commission. Serving as a city commissioner for part of an unexpired term and two full terms has been one of the great experiences of my life. It was sometimes frustrating and sometimes gratifying but always a great honor to serve the people of this wonderful community. With retirement looming in the not-too-distant future, it is time for me to get on with the next phase of my life.”

Mayor Henry Schwaller has filed for re-election, while the other commissioner up for re-election, Ron Mellick, has declined to say whether he has decided to run.

Check Hays Post on Wednesday for more on the April elections across the region.