Kruzan won't seek re-election

Democratic Rep. Mark Kruzan, D-Bloomington, announced Monday he will not run for re-election to the Indiana House of Representatives this fall.\nKruzan was first elected in 1986 as representative for House District 61. He has served as House Majority Leader since 1996 and was House Minority Whip from 1994 to 1996. Kruzan, 41, was the youngest legislator in the General Assembly until 1992.\nKruzan graduated from the IU School of Law in 1985 and is now an adjunct professor in the School of Public and Environmental Affairs.\nRecently, Kruzan has fought to protect Yellowwood State Forest from loggers. He spoke out against the secrecy of IU trustees and pushed for affordable higher education in public universities. In January Kruzan sponsored a bill to increase consequences for drunk drivers.\nOver the past 16 years Kruzan has formed strong working relationships and earned the respect of fellow lawmakers. \nKruzan said working with former Rep. Jerry Bales, R-Bloomington, and State Senator Vi Simpson, D-Ellettsville, has shaped his legislative service. \n"I was incredibly proud to have been a part of their team," Kruzan said.\nSimpson also said their relationship has been very positive.\n"I have worked very closely with Rep. Kruzan for the last 16 years," Simpson said. "There isn't anyone in the legislature for whom I have more respect." \nKruzan described his time as highly positive and thanked supporters.\n"I am indebted to family and friends, as well as thousands of voters I have never met, for their support," Kruzan said. "They gave me an opportunity I never took for granted."\nAfter eight terms Kruzan has decided to leave the House and is considering running for mayor of Bloomington in the 2003 election.\n"I cannot in good conscience file for re-election knowing I may well run for another office during what would be my next term," Kruzan said.\nKruzan's career plans are not official and he has made no formal announcement to run for mayor. \n"I have made no secret of my interest in running for mayor of Bloomington," Kruzan said.\nKruzan said the Bloomington community has always been incredibly supportive. He said he chose to live in Bloomington because of the wonderful quality of life the community offers.\nCurrent Mayor John Fernandez is a democratic candidate for Secretary of State this year. If Fernandez is elected in November, local democratic precinct officials would choose his successor. His successor would be chosen that month.\nFernandez supports Kruzan as a mayoral candidate.\n"Rep. Kruzan is willing to make hard choices," Fernandez said, "and the ability to make tough decisions is the hallmark of a good elected official"