In a surprise move, Three Rivers Mayor James Liska announced Monday, Feb. 11, that he will not seek office again in May.

The three-term mayor said his decision was a tough one but he had to do it.

“I will always be on hand to help if the city wants me,” he said.

Recently, Liska added another member to his family, little one-month-old Hunter.

As his family grows, he said he wants to move back to the country.

Shelley, his wife, and 2-year-old daughter Heidi agree with the move.

But moving out of the city limits will make him ineligible to run for mayor or be mayor.

Liska said when he first ran for mayor, he set his goals to fix streets, improve parks, have brush pickup and secure high-speed Internet.

He said he’s met his goals and more.

He thanked the residents of Three Rivers for their support.

“This decision has not come easy for me, but I still plan on contributing,” he said.