CARLING TWP. – The time has come.
After more than 20 years serving the township – 13 as mayor – Mayor Mike Konoval has decided not to run in the upcoming municipal election.
With an itch to travel and while good health still prevails, Konoval said this was the right choice.
“I have decided to retire from municipal government,” said Konoval on Monday morning. “Providing good leadership requires a lot of time and energy and, after 20 years on Carling council, it’s time for someone else to fill this role. I have other interests in mind that I would like to pursue while I still have good health and strength.”
Those interests include spending time with family, traveling, and volunteering, neither of which, he’s had much spare time for, he said
“I’ve always wanted to do some traveling and it’s hard when you’re on council, because you’re always working your schedule around council meetings,” he said. “There are some other things out there, like I enjoy volunteering. I volunteer at Belvedere Heights, but I haven’t been able to, I haven’t had time.”
Konoval is happy about his decision that was two years in the making, but said he has enjoyed his tenure.
“I have a sense that it’s time for someone else to really assume the role. It’s been a good, positive experience. I’m glad that I’ve been able to serve the ratepayers,” he said. “We have a wonderful, wonderful group of ratepayers out here, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed interacting with them, but the time has come to move on.”
After learning his fellow member of council, Gord Harrison, intends to run for his seat, Konoval said he was thrilled.
“When there’s a change of council there’s a new thrust, and Gord will draw a whole new crowd of people to council,” he said. “Gord is an effective leader and he is a very committed and hard-working member of council and, if elected, I think he’ll be a great mayor for Carling.”