Duluth mayor Don Ness won't seek third term

Duluth Mayor Don Ness took to Facebook on Sunday to announce he won't seek a third term.

Ness was first elected to the mayor's office in 2007, and ran unopposed in 2011. He said Monday that part of his reason for deciding not to run again was impatience with politics.

"I imagine that in a third term, my patience would get so low with that type of base politics that my effectiveness would be lessened," he said. "In the end we felt that it was best, both for our family and for the community as well, if we allowed somebody else to come in and bring fresh perspective and fresh energy and hopefully continue the success story in Duluth."

City councilor Howie Hanson has already announced his intention to run for mayor in November 2015.

In recent weeks, Ness has been highlighting city growth, his administration's progress in reducing health care costs and efforts to improve housing.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.