Two local councillors will not be returning to council chambers after this term.
South Kent Councillor Karen Herman and North Kent Councillor Leon Leclair have announced that they will not be running in the upcoming municipal election.
Herman made the announcement through a Facebook post, which was then sent to Blackburn News.
"I have decided that after 15 years on Chatham Kent council, it's time to step aside for others to have the opportunity to serve," Herman said in the post. "I do encourage women to take on this leadership role because you truly bring the balance required in this very important decision-making process."
In terms of what's next, Herman said she will continue her volunteer work in maintaining an age-friendly community in Chatham-Kent.
"I am pleased to have worked with and/or supported our residents and local business and farming community, and the Blenheim Business Improvement Association (BIA)," her Facebook post read. "A special mention goes to the residents of Erieau and especially the Erieau Partnership Association, it's been such a pleasure working with you. Erieau is no longer our hidden gem!"
In the meantime, Leclair said he is also stepping aside to give others in the community the chance to step up.
"I will miss the meetings with the movers and shakers, you will always have my respect for what you try and do to make this community better," said Leclair in an email statement. "A lot of my reasoning for stepping aside has to do with the provincial policies enforced on us, for example, no control over green energy mainly windmills, the endangered species act, well all good with intentions has its policies drawn up in Toronto with no local input and carries a great financial burden."
Once his time as councillor is finished, Leclair will continue to work in the agricultural industry as a farmer, but said he is most looking forward to spending time with his family.
"One item at the top of my list is to bounce my grandkids on my knee, and that folks is very important to me," he said in an email.
The municipal election is set for October 22, 2018.
