PONTIAC - Pontiac Mayor Scott McCoy says his decision not to run for re-election next spring is part of a strategy that will allow him to be more "aggressive" in the fight to save Pontiac Correctional Center.

The prison's impending closure by Dec. 31 also was a factor in Pontiac Alderman Matt Stock's decision also not to seek re-election.

McCoy, 38, announced Friday that he decided not to run for a second term for two reasons: unhappiness with how some people have handled the prison issue and the toll being mayor has taken on his business.

He said he wants to remove himself from the mayor's office so he can be more aggressive in the prison fight and not have the city become a target in response.

"I don't think we have been aggressive enough … and I feel like we fought harder for (the Federal Emergency Management Agency flood aid) than we have for our prison," he said. "One thing I've learned from politics is that there is a lot of backroom pushing, pulling and little discussions, and if certain people don't get their way then they are going to go after you."

McCoy said he has new ideas for fighting the plan to close the prison by Dec. 31, but he could not give details until next week.

"In my capacity as mayor, I will continue to do what I have been doing so far to help save the facility and to protect these jobs," McCoy said. "Once I am out, I will continue in any role that the new mayor may ask of me."

The owner the software development business McCoy Corp. also said the events of this year, including the protracted battle for FEMA help after the January flooding and the state's plan to close the prison, have kept him from his business.

Stock, who is a correctional officer at the prison, announced that he won't seek re-election because employment future is so uncertain. The Department of Corrections plans to transfer or lay off the almost 600 people who work at the prison.

"It's aggravating because it's not on my terms," Stock said, blaming the state for interfering with his plans. "There is not much point in running when you do all of the paperwork, then comes Dec. 31 and I don't know where I will be."

Fellow Aldermen Bill Kallas and Curt Myers said they would seek another term. Aldermen John McGlasson and Mike Stalter could not be reached Friday.

Former Mayor Mike Ingles said chances are good that he would run again in the February primary. McCoy unseated Ingles, a four-term incumbent, in 2005.

"The honest truth is, back in September I picked up a set of petitions and they have been quietly lying around," Ingles said. "I am seriously considering running, and I very likely will."

Petitions filing for mayor, city clerk, city treasurer and one seat in each of the city's five wards will begin at 8 a.m. Dec. 8.