Mayor Schrag open to idea of a second term

Springfield Mayor Jeff Schrag said in a Feb. 17 interview he couldn’t figure out why everyone thinks he plans to be a one-term mayor.

“I don’t think I ever said that,” he said.

It was something Schrag said he would love to have clarified, since it comes up from time to time.

However, a review of audio from Schrag’s Sept. 18, 2024, candidacy announcement at Mother’s Brewing Co. shows that he did make a statement suggesting a one-and-out mayorship.

Specifically, in an audio recording from the day, Schrag said, “I should tell you that my goal is just on the one term, and I feel like four years is probably enough time to actually get something done.”

SBJ reported the news, writing, “Schrag said that if elected, he plans to serve one four-year term.”

Schrag took office following an April 2024 voter-approved charter change that allows mayors to serve a four-year term instead of just two years. He is limited to two terms for a total of eight years, whereas his predecessor was limited to four two-year terms.

Schrag’s statement about one term being enough was in response to a question from a journalist asking how he felt about the charter change, and he called it “a positive.”

Presented Feb. 24 with a transcript of his remarks, Schrag said he now understands why the one-term perception exists.

“I get how my answer would have led to that – 100%,” he said.

But Schrag said he never intended to commit to serving just one term.

“I’m not trying to start a political career – I just want to be mayor of Springfield,” he said. “My focus at the time was just getting elected.”

The funny thing, Schrag said, is that he tried very hard never to say he was running only for a single term.

“Politicians make that mistake. I just wanted to not specifically address it,” he said. “It’s not like my thinking has changed – my thinking has always been at some point at the end of year four I’ll make a decision.”

Schrag said he has even started a private set of notes to himself that he updates on the regular.

“My theory of history is any contemporary writing is always superior to reflection,” he said. “People don’t know what is going to be their biggest moment – their biggest low or high.”

Schrag said those notes will be important food for thought when he does decide.

“This is a destination for me,” he said of the mayorship. “It’s an honor, and I’m grateful for the opportunity.”

Schrag said he never intended to give the misimpression.

“I was brand new to doing this that day,” he said. “I guess I ask for grace.”