One of Windsor's-Essex's longest-running mayors has said that 19 years in the job is long enough.
Kingsville Mayor Nelson Santos announced Monday that he will not run for another four-year term as mayor in October's municipal election. He has also informed the Town's staff and administration that he will be stepping away from the job next month to pursue a career opportunity that will allow him to spend more time with his family. July 17 will be his final day in the mayor's office.
Santos has held the office since 2003 and is tied with Tecumseh's Gary McNamara as the longest-serving current mayor in the region.
"I have nothing but love and passion for community, this community," said Santos in a media release. "It has been a true honour to serve and help lead Kingsville through the best of times and toughest of times. I have nothing but praise for this town, and I’ve put my heart and soul into putting Kingsville’s best foot forward when it comes to representing and reflecting the community spirit that thrives here."
Santos, a journalist, was first elected to Town Council in 1997. He later won election as deputy mayor and was elected to the first of five terms as mayor in 2003. He served one term as Essex County Warden, beginning in 2006 and is the current Deputy Warden.
The mayor acknowledged that it will be hard for him to pull away from the camaraderie he has enjoyed at Town Hall.
"It is bittersweet to announce my departure from this role and from this community, but I am forever proud to see how far we have come together. Kingsville, strong indeed," said Santos. Kingsville CAO John Norton publicly thanked Santos for his service to the Town and said plans are in the works for a smooth transition.
With the next municipal election coming up, former deputy mayor Tamara Stomp has been the only person to file paperwork to run for mayor so far.
Santos is not the only Windsor-Essex mayor not running for another term. Amherstburg's Aldo DiCarlo, LaSalle's Marc Bondy, and Pelee Island's Ray Durocher are not seeking reelection. Windsor's Drew Dilkens and Lakeshore's Tom Bain are the only two mayors in the region who have yet to announce their intentions, while the remaining mayors have filed for reelection.