Lewisburg Mayor Ken Whitson has decided to hang up his political hat after serving eight years as the north Logan city’s mayor.

Whitson has served in government for the past 18 years having held a council seat for 10 before becoming L’burg’s leading man.

“I just want to get on with my life. I have enjoyed serving the fine people of Lewisburg over the years and have been honored to be their mayor but I’m ready to move on now,” said Whitson.

One of the things Whitson is looking forward to is spending more time with his family. He said he has three new grandchildren and would like to be involved in their lives more.

“I have them in Washington D.C. all the way to Washington State,” said a proud Whitson who also wouldn't mind picking up a golf club once again – something he hasn’t done much over the past several years.

Whitson lost his wife Kaye in 2008. He said he and she had lots of plans after retirement but unfortunately they didn’t get the chance.

“I’m just tired and a lot has changed in my life,” Whitson says.

Whitson got involved in politics, he says, after attending a city council meeting years ago when Lloyd Taylor was mayor of Lewisburg.

“I went to the meeting and voiced my opinion. Mayor Taylor asked me why I just didn’t run for council, so I did,” Whitson said.

The same rang true for mayor according to Whitson. People started asking him and asking him why he don’t you run and he did. “I thought I could make a difference,” said Whitson.

One of the most significant memories during Whitson’s term as mayor, he said, would have to be the Logan Todd Regional Water Commission. Whitson said he wasn’t jumping up and down to have it come into Logan County; however, he admits it has been a very good thing for the community and the county has some of the best water around.

“It was hard to give up our water plant,” said Whitson, “but I think looking back now I realize it was a good decision.”

Whitson said he will not miss the late night calls he sometimes got as part of being mayor. Not getting them will be a welcome change.

“I love the people in north Logan, they are some of the best around,” said Whitson who also bragged on his staff, some who have been with him his whole two terms. “I could not have done my job without these folks. I hope they continue on with whoever the new mayor may be,” he said.

Only one has officially thrown their name in the running publicly on the office and that is current council member Tina Callahan Dye.