Rockford's mayor says he won't seek a fourth term

ROCKFORD, Ill. (AP) - Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey says he won't be seeking a fourth term in 2017.

The 46-year-old independent has been mayor since 2005. He tells the Rockford Register Star that it's an opportunity to use his experience and continue the type of work he's passionate about.

At a recent news conference he said he doesn't have another job lined up and doesn't plan to move from Rockford. He will serve in the office until May.

Among other things, Morrissey's tenure saw redevelopment of the city's downtown core.

Morrissey says the next mayor's top issues will include availability of affordable housing and excessive use of force by police.

Several people have announced their candidacy for mayor, including aldermen and a community activist.