While some area mayors are getting ready to run for re-election, a few longtime politicians are hanging up their hats.
Fruitvale Mayor Libby Nelson and Warfield Mayor Jim Nelson are stepping down from their posts as community leaders to make way for new energy.
“I’ve been mayor for 15 years, I think that’s plenty, and it’s time to hand it over,” said the Fruitvale mayor, who sat on School District 20’s board for 10 years prior to getting involved in municipal politics.
“I feel like I’ve given what I can and have achieved most of what I was looking to get done – it’s been a terrific experience.”
While incumbent village councillor Patricia Cecchini intends to throw her name in the race for mayor, Warfield has yet to have anyone come forward.
“Certainly I feel there are very capable people in the community, who can pick up the slack and carry on,” said Jim Nelson.
The Warfield Mayor moved into local government after acting as a volunteer firefighter for 40 years in Warfield. At nearly 84 years old, he has been committed to village council for 22 years – 14 acting as mayor.
“It’s been a good run, I’ve enjoyed working for the citizens of Warfield and if another opportunity comes along to serve the citizens, I would certainly be there,” said Nelson. “If somebody puts their name forward and runs and there’s an opening for councillman, I might consider it but at the present time, I just find that I’m running out of ideas and we need some new blood.”
Trail Mayor Dieter Bogs, who has been mayor for nearly 14 years after serving on council for 12 years, is running for re-election along with Rossland Mayor Greg Granstrom, who served as a councillor for three years and is now seeking his second term as mayor, and Montrose Mayor Griff Welsh, who sat on council for nine years prior to completing one term leading the village.
The nomination period for candidates runs from 9 a.m. Oct. 4 to 4 p.m. on Oct. 14. General voting day is Nov. 19, though there will be two opportunities for advance voting on Nov. 9 and Nov.16.
For more information on the general local election, visit your community hall or check out what details are online.