EAST MOLINE -- Joe Moreno cuddled one of his littlest supporters -- 1-year-old granddaughter Madelyn Miller -- in his arms Thursday while announcing he'll seek a second term as East Moline's mayor.

Surrounded by friends and family at the Angelus Retirement Center at North Hill, Mr. Moreno said he wants to run for a second term because he would like to see through some of the city's projects until they are finished.

Madelyn was campaigning for her grandfather already, wearing a custom-made T-shirt with his name on it. Mr. Moreno's daughter Lindsey Miller, 27, designed her child's T-shirt at home, and her mother, Lorna Moreno, ironed the silk screen on it Thursday morning.

Mr. Moreno said he wants to develop the area along the Illinois 5 corridor near the Quad City Downs. He hopes the city can install a sewer line extension to the area.

The construction of the new Jewel-Osco store on Kennedy Drive and Avenue of the Cities will bring more commercial development to the area since there will be empty lots next to the store, he said.

Construction has also started on 84 independent-living units for the Angelus Retirement Village.

"There is no question that we've planted seeds," Mr. Moreno said. "I want to see to it that they come to fruition and flower and bloom."

State Sen. Denny Jacobs, D-East Moline; U.S. Rep. Lane Evans, D-Rock Island; East Moline aldermen; and officials from neighboring cities attended the event to show their support for Mr. Moreno.

He was elected mayor in 2001. Before that, he served 12 years as a 3rd Ward alderman in the city.