Jack Fry and his wife tried to leave Midwest City once but something stopped them.

When it came down to it, they couldn’t imagine living anywhere else having both been born and raised in Midwest City.

Fry’s passion for his hometown has been cultivated by a career as a Midwest City firefighter and a local homebuilder, and has continued in his capacity as the city’s current mayor, he said.

During his first mayoral term, Fry’s accomplishments, working along with his fellow council members, have ranged anywhere from passing bond measures to revitalizing the city’s Original Square Mile.

Fry has greatly increased the city’s partnership presence at Tinker Air Force Base, as well. A son of a TAFB employee, Fry called the city’s relationship with Tinker strong and one that even resulted in him being asked to testify before a congressional committee.

"I’m proud of what we’ve done so far for Midwest City and I want to continue working for the citizens," the mayor said.

That is why, Fry said, he is announcing his intent to seek a second term.

"There is still work to be done."

While there is a long list of projects on the table, Fry said an important one to him is seeing that Midwest Regional Medical Center adequately serves the medical needs of all of eastern Oklahoma county residents.

Fry has worked diligently on this issue and listened to citizens and their concerns.

"We won't stop until our citizens have quality medical care," he said.

Other major accomplishments made during his term the mayor proudly mentioned in his interview with EastWord News were:

• Refinancing all of the city’s bonds to save taxpayers thousands of dollars.

• 100 percent from landlords in the city’s new rental registration program.

• $1 million federal grant for the new Soldier Creek Industrial Park that recently broke ground.

• Appropriations from Pentagon for study and partnership with Midwest City, Del City, Oklahoma City and Oklahoma County with TAFB and later partnerships signed as a result.

• Neighborhood associations in the city grew from 12 to 35.

• Curbside recycling program started with huge participation from residents.

• Voters grant the Midwest City Hospital Authority access to funds to address community hospital issues.

• The city is named the No. 1 affordable city in the U.S. considering utilities, median income and home prices.

Fry took office in 2010 and his term goes up in 2014. Filing for mayor and wards 1, 3 and 5 will be Dec. 16, 17 and 18 at the Oklahoma County Election Board office in Oklahoma City.