Steinbach Mayor Chris Goertzen has stepped down now that his successor has been elected. We had a chance to sit down with him earlier this week to review his life in politics to this point. He has many good memories of his 12 years in the post and Goertzen says he was able to accomplish many of his goals.

"In my office, I have a plaque that has every single promise or goal that I had when I was running for mayor back in 2006. They were on there for 12 years on my wall, to remind me of where I wanted to go, where we wanted to bring the city. And when I looked back and read those, probably about a year back, I said each one of these has been achieved to a greater or some lesser degree and I felt very satisfied that that actually happened."

Goertzen says he has found being the mayor has been much different than running his business. He explains in business, you are using your own money and have the final say, but as mayor, you are dealing with taxpayers' money and decide together with six councillors how that money is best spent. What are some of the lessons he has learned along the way that he wants to pass along to the new mayor and council?

"I think not being too quick to judge certain situations or issues or policies, find out the background, find out how it can affect people in a positive or negative way and make a decision that includes everybody, not just a few people, make sure everyone on council is included."

Goertzen says he is a political junkie and looks forward to following the actions of the new city council.

"During elections, people say things that they think will make a difference, they make decisions that they feel are appropriate at the time. When it comes to governing, it's a little bit different than campaigning and I look forward to seeing that transition from politics to actual policy."

As for his future, Goertzen says he wants to focus on his family and his business but acknowledges that politics is in his blood. He says that interest could involve things like mentoring other municipalities or something else in the future. But for now, he says he will serve the community in other ways and be with his family.