Jerry Abramson, who has spent more than a quarter of his life as Louisville's mayor, wants to serve another four years.
"I will seek re-election as mayor next year" of the Louisville Metro Government, Abramson, 58, announced today during the annual State of the City address before the Downtown Rotary Club.
Abramson has set up an election campaign committee chaired by lawyer Tim Corrigan, allowing him to raise money, said Jim McGovern, Abramson's senior assistant who managed his 2002 metro mayor campaign.
Abramson served three terms as mayor of the old City of Louisville and would be eligible for three terms as metro mayor.
During his first term, Abramson has focused on shepherding the 2-year-old metro government through the merger, concentrating on maintaining services and consolidating agencies without raising taxes.
But he has angered some metro employees and council members with moves such as laying off 140 workers and eliminated more than 500 vacant job positions in 2003 in an effort to reduce the size of government and cut costs.
And he has been at odds with the local Fraternal Order of Police by trying to limit officers' health insurance choices and supporting Metro Police Chief Robert White's policy and administrative decisions.
So far, Abramson faces no opposition.
But Metro Council member Kelly Downard, R-16th, said yesterday that he "is very, very seriously" considering running for mayor. Recent problems with snow removal illustrate where Abramson's effort to deliver services more efficiently has failed, he said.
Metro Council member Hal Heiner, R-19th, also said yesterday he is "considering all options." He said Abramson has done a good managing merger but that an overall community "vision hasn't been established, and no work in that direction has begun."
Jefferson County Republican Chairman Jack Richardson IV said defeating Abramson would be tough, "but not unthinkable. There is a lot of time yet, and things might develop."