Zorra councillor pens letter to constituents Mitchell not seeking re-election

Paul Mitchell. (Contributed Photo)

Lee Griffi, Editor

Paul Mitchell has decided to end his political career. The 68-year-old will not seek a third term as Zorra Township’s Ward 4 councillor.

Mitchell, who is not a social media participant, sent an email to the Echo in the hope we would inform his constituents.

“Zorra Residents, over the past two years, a number of people have asked me if I am going to run for mayor of Zorra Township. I am flattered that anyone would think that I have what it takes to hold that position,” he said.

“I think that I would receive considerable support from rural voters if I were to run for mayor. I will never know if it would be enough votes to be elected because I am not seeking that office in the upcoming municipal election,” added Mitchell.

He explained he has no desire to become what a friend of his calls a professional politician.

“Which is what is required to serve on both the Zorra Township and Oxford County councils as well as carry out all the other duties that are mandatory for, or expected of, the mayor.”

Mitchell said his two seasonal jobs, driving truck for local agricultural suppliers, is something he enjoys and he would not be able to do if he held a higher municipal office.

“I also will not be seeking re-election for a third term as the councillor for Ward 3 on Zorra Council. There are numerous reasons for me to either continue or retire from public service, so I asked myself two very basic questions. Am I willing to commit to the same level of time, effort and emotional investment for another four years? If someone were to run against me, am I willing to run an effective campaign to keep my seat?”

Mitchell said the answer to both questions is a hard no.

“If I am not willing to commit to my job wholeheartedly and I am not willing to fight for my job, then I shouldn’t have this job. Representing the residents of Zorra on township council is too important and requires more than I am willing to give at this stage of my life.”

He added he is sharing his decision with voters with the hope that potential candidates who share his values and work ethic will put their names forward before nominations close on August 21.

“I will continue to represent you to the best of my abilities until my term ends on November 15.”

Mitchell is the third elected official in the township not seeking re-election, joining mayor and Oxford warden Marcus Ryan and Ward 1 councillor Kevin Stewart.