Mayor Dwight Tankersley, right, shakes hands with Dr. Mike Reed, Hartselle school superintendent, following the State of the City Address. During the speech, Tankersley also announced he would not seek a third term as Mayor of Hartselle. | Brent Maze

Mayor Dwight Tankersley said he will not seek a third term as the Mayor of Hartselle, he announced Thursday at his State of the City Address at Sparkman Civic Center.

Tankersley, overcome with emotions as he announced his decision, said he decided it was time to step aside and spend more time with his family.

“I can’t blame my wife on this decision,” Tankersley said. “I think this is the best for our family.”

Tankersley, who celebrated his 52nd birthday last week, has the distinction of being the first multiple-term mayor since John D. Long. The last time an incumbent mayor had won an election was 36 years ago.

Bob Francis, chairman of the Hartselle Development Board, said Tankersley has done an outstanding job leading the city since October 2004.

“I think Hartselle has seen the more progress in the last eight years than it’s ever seen,” Francis said. “He has been aggressive at promoting Hartselle and promoting economic development. He’s done an excellent job representing Hartselle.”

Hartselle Beautification Association director Carolyn Wallace said Tankersley has been a great help to her and to his hometown.

“He can make the hard decisions,” Wallace said. “He’s been exceptional at promoting the city. He will be missed.”

In particular, Wallace said Tankersley was exceptionally good at managing his city employees.

“He was great at hiring good people to do the job and then he let them do their job,” Wallace said.

Tankersley attributed his success to all of the city workers and the department heads.

“We have a great group of employees and department heads that will keep the city moving forward,” Tankersley said.

Tankersley will remain in office until his term expires in November.