Steve Gaer, who has been West Des Moines’ mayor since 2007, announced today that he won’t seek a fifth term in the fall election. “It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve with the outstanding team of elected and appointed officials and city employees who have been responsible for so many successes during my time in office,” Gaer said in a prepared statement. “The city couldn’t be in better hands, and it’s best days are still ahead.” Gaer served as a West Des Moines City Council member for eight years before becoming mayor. Since 2004, Gaer has been the chief operating officer and general counsel for the R&R Realty Group, which owns and manages approximately 9 million square feet of property across Iowa and Nebraska.