Steve Casey, the longest-serving alderman on the City Council, will not run for re-election after 22 years of service.

Casey, first elected an alderman in 1988 at the age of 26, announced Friday that he would not run for alderman in the 12th District in 2010.

“This was a decision I have thought about for two years,” Casey said. “And fresh blood is always a good thing.”

Casey said the decision was a family and business consideration, as he is planning on expanding his funeral home operation, Casey Family Options.

“I owe it to my business to spend more time working on it,” Casey said.

He also has plans to work with Father Dominic Roscioli in starting a support group for spouses of breast cancer survivors and spend more time working with causes such as Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society.

Casey said he was proud to serve the district he was born and raised in.

“I was blessed to serve families from the time I was a paperboy,” Casey said. “I don’t regret a single vote or a single year served and I’m very proud of what we were able to accomplish.”

Casey said he believes his 22-year run as an alderman may be the longest consecutive stretch in the city. George Fitchett served for 28 years, though his service was broken up by a run for mayor.

And Casey said he was proud to see improvements in Lincoln Park and the surrounding area in the last two decades. Casey said he also enjoyed supporting the HarborPark development and Frank Pacetti, who Casey has known since fifth grade, as city administrator during his tenure on the council.

Casey said he felt that politics at the City Council seemed more personal now than when he started in 1988, but he also wishes he could have spent more time getting to know recent council members.

“I take the burden for maybe misunderstanding their motives and their thought process,” Casey said.

Kenosha Mayor Keith Bosman, who began with Casey on the City Council in 1988, said it would be difficult to replace Casey’s experience and presence.

“You always knew where Steve was coming from and you could always count on him to have a position,” Casey said. “He wasn’t someone who kept his feelings hidden. We’re going to miss that experienced voice on the council.”

Casey said he views the decision as a “sabbatical” and not a retirement from city politics, saying he may re-enter the forum after the business expansion is finished. “I will be as outspoken and visible as I have ever been,” he said.

Casey is the fifth incumbent alderman to choose not to run next spring. Aldermen Katherine Marks, Don Holland, Don Ruef and Don Moldenhauer had earlier declared their non-candidacy. All other incumbent aldermen have registered their intent to run.

John Anderson, Steve Bostrom and Chad Gonwa have declared their candidacy in the 12th District next year. Those seeking to run have until 5 p.m. Jan. 5 to file nomination papers. The election is April 6 and primaries will be held Feb. 16, where needed.