Steve DeBenedittis, who was first elected as Mayor of Herndon in 2006, announced Jan. 16 that he will not run for mayor in 2012. 

In his announcement he said he initially ran because he felt Herndon faced problems that needed involved citizens to work on, but now it is time to move on and let others continue working to improve the community. 

DeBenedittis said Herndon is well prepared for the future, he is proud of what has been accomplished during his time as mayor, and he intends to spend more time with his children and family. His full announcement is below.

FROM STEVE DEBENEDITTIS, MAYOR TOWN OF HERNDON, VA

I will not be a candidate for re-election as Mayor of Herndon in 2012.

When I first ran for Mayor in 2006 I had no political resume.  I ran because Herndon was facing serious problems and I felt that it was important for citizens to get involved in saving the character and fiscal stability of Herndon, where I grew up and am now raising my own family.

From the start I believed, as our Founding Fathers intended, that one political office should not be a career, but an interlude for citizen representatives to contribute their talents to the public good, and then move on to clear the field for others.  It is not by accident that our Founders begin our Constitution with  "We, the People", or that Lincoln worried that government ". . . of the People, by the People, and for the People" might perish.  They knew that America would survive best as long as it was governed by its People, not by a ruling class or by career politicians.

It is now my time to move on, and let others work to improve our community.

It is also time to enjoy the precious but fleeting moments of our children's magic years.  They, and my wife Rosemary, have been my greatest supporters, and have made the greatest sacrifices while I served our Town.  It is payback time for them, and I look forward to spending it with them.

I am proud of my accomplishments over these last six years and I am humbled by the trust and responsibilities that the citizens of Herndon granted to me.  I thank our citizens for allowing me to serve our Town.  While I may be moving out of the Executive Office, I will always be a part of Herndon, and will be offering it my future contributions.

We have made great strides over the half dozen years I have served as Mayor.  While the political process will never be free of disputes and differences of opinion, we were able to accomplish much.  Our Town is in good fiscal shape in spite of the crashing national economy and the punishing debts of many other cities and governments.  Our citizens are safer.  Our community is less divided than in 2006 when our issues were exposed in national news.  Herndon is prepared well for its future.

Thank you for letting me play a part in it. 

Sincerely,
Steve DeBenedittis

* Editor's Note: This article originally included an announcement from Vice Mayor Lisa Merkel as well. The two announcements have been separated after a reader pointed out that it would be good to keep the two conversations that would likely happen in the comments section separate—campaigning vs. thanks. I apologize for any confusion. -Leslie