And then there were two. Late Wednesday afternoon, George Hartsfield added his name along with Jefferson City 4rd Ward Councilman Eric Struemph to the list of contenders for Jefferson City mayor.
In front of a crowd of close to 150 supporters, Hartsfield explained that he thinks his experience and approach make him the right candidate to take on the challenges that come with the position.
"I will not hesitate to meet these challenges, and I will not waiver," Hartsfield said. "I will not see a problem in city government and ignore it. That is not what I am about."
Hartsfield said he thought some of those problems included the city's Adrian's Island project. He also spoke of what he saw as a growing disconnect between the residents of Jefferson City and City Hall.
Hartsfield has experience as mayor of Jefferson City, serving from 1979 to 1987. Because he served before the charter's term limits were enacted, they do not apply to him.
During his press conference, Harstsfield, 67, addressed concerns about his age and his connection to the current political landscape.
"The real answer to those doubting Thomases is that issues come and go, but the ingredients of good leadership never change," Hartsfield said. "Unfortunately, in recent times, some controversial issues have been self-inflicted and allowed to linger far too long, thus festering into damaging sores on the body politic."
Among the issues that Hartsfield said would be priorities in his administration were supporting the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce's effort to bring in more young professionals to the area and an increase in economic development in the city.