by Dennis Dalman
Outgoing St. Joseph Mayor Rick Schultz was thanked and honored at an informal get-together at Bruno Press in St. Joseph recently.
About a dozen friends and well-wishers showed up to give Schultz a friendly, rousing send-off.
After 14 consecutive years as mayor (that’s seven two-year terms), Schultz announced at the May 6 city council meeting that he would not file for re-election for the Nov. 5 general election.
Since then, three candidates filed for the position as mayor: Jon Hazen, Bob Loso, Adam Scepaniak.
“The city is in a good place,” he said in an interview with the Newsleaders. “And my personal opinion is tomorrow’s young leaders will make a more lasting impact and have a better understanding of what is needed for growth and our city culture than I will. There are some solid citizens within our community whom I believe will consider making the step into public service and be difference-makers.”
Among the accomplishments Schultz helped the city achieve during his tenure are the following: major and minor infrastructure improvements, more park and recreational amenities, developments in the new St. Joseph Government Center, upgrades to the police department, advancement of plans for a long-anticipated city community center, many new downtown businesses and related developments; ongoing downtown revitalization; new businesses/industries in the Industrial Park; recreation trail extensions; expansion of youth recreation and for people of all ages; outreach and partnership efforts with the colleges and other cities; and much more.
Schultz and wife Tammy have three grown daughters: Angela, Jessica and Briana; and two grandchildren.
