Mayor Joseph Schember sat down for an exclusive interview with Erie News Now. He shared his challenges and accomplishments while leading. For Schember his time as Mayor continues to be an honor. He enjoys working with other city leaders to help make Erie better for everyone. 

 The Erie News Now team was graciously welcomed to City Hall to discuss Schember's final term. He says, "Being Mayor has been a really good experience, and I don't any withholdings against anybody." 

The mayor oversees the implementation of city policies and must ensure that city departments function properly. The role also serves as a liaison between residents and government. Schember shared how he handles concerns. "I try to listen to them. Evaluate what they're telling me. And if I could be doing something better than what I'm doing I try say ok I'm going to change it and do another way. If I don't' agree with them after I've gone through a conversation and a lot of thinking, I will tell them I don't agree with you, I don't' want to talk about his anymore with you because I believe what I'm doing is the right thing."

Schember ran for a third term in office but lost by about 400 votes. He says, during his campaign he personally went to over 1500 homes to speak to residents directly. He says he was surprised by what happened but decided to make the best of his last few months in office and get as much accomplished as possible. 

The Mayor's Chief of Staff Renee Lamis is also an Erie native. She says, "He is the same person behind closed doors and got into office for the right reasons."

Schember plans to graciously hand over the keys to the city to the next mayor. He also says, he is willing to lend any support that is needed.