Orillia Mayor Steve Clarke will not be seeking the city's top political post for a third term.
Clarke, who is in the home stretch of his second four-year term, announced today he will be "stepping back" in the fall and will not be seeking re-election in October.
Clarke said being mayor has been a "wonderful experience. It has been nothing but an honour and privilege to serve the citizens of the Sunshine City ... (which) is truly one of the best places on earth in which to live, work and play."
He said he made his decision a while ago.
"I made the decision, with my family, sometime ago but wanted to help ensure that we, as Council, ratified our Climate Change Action Plan as well as close the deal that will bring transformation to the area between our beautiful waterfront and our historic downtown," Clarke said in a statement emailed to OrilliaMatters.
"I wish to thank the citizens of Orillia for the abundant support and trust they have provided over the last almost eight years," he said, while also giving a "sincere thank you to our wonderful city staff who continue to keep our city moving forward by putting decisions into meaningful action."
He was also thankful for his fellow council members.
"And, certainly, thank you to my fellow members of Council, from the last two terms, who have exhibited patience, progressive action and diplomacy," Clarke said. "As we each have only one vote, what we have accomplished is truly a demonstration of teamwork."
Clarke vowed to work hard before stepping away.
"Having said all of this, I do still have another six months 'in the chair' and I will be going hard to the finish line!" he vowed.
