After serving four years as Shawnee’s mayor, Chuck Mills has decided he’s ready to devote more time to running his business and being a family man, so he won’t seek a second term.
The mayor’s post is an unpaid position. The filing period for candidates is June 2-4.
Mills said he’s tried to cram two terms into one and has been running at a fast pace, which has affected his family life and business.
“It could be an easy job I guess, but if you want to do it right, it’s a full-time job,” Mills said, adding there are a tremendous amount of meetings, not to mention community events, that mayors attend.
“I’ve tried to be really available because I don’t halfway do things,” he said. “I give it my all and it’s too much after four years. I’m ready to focus on my family and business. I took a sabbatical from them.”
Mills and his wife Karen have two daughters. Britan is attending The University of Oklahoma and Kurstyn starts high school next year, so Mills said he doesn’t want to miss these years. He also wants to devote more time to managing Mills Machine Co., which recently celebrated 100 years.
To fulfill his mayoral duties at the pace he’s set, Mills said he’s been gone from work about 70 percent of the time.
“The business is really growing and it needs my attention,” Mills said, saying the company has purchased two new machines and they are looking to expand. “I’m looking forward to getting back into it,” he said, saying he has employees and their livelihoods to consider.
Mills said its been a busy term, from dealing with water woes in Shawnee to the poly cart debate. He said he’s proud of advances in economic development, from growth at the airport to advances toward a sports complex and skate park, along with saving the municipal swimming pool.
“Most people want someone to do a good job, and I’ve tried,” he said. “It’s my hometown; I’m proud of Shawnee. I’ve been out being a cheerleader for us, and I think we’re poised for great things.”
Mills said he believes Shawnee can grow into a progressive community and yet maintain its historical charm. The mayor said he promised voters he’d “go in and work hard,” to bring transparency to city government, and “I think I’ve done that,” he said.
“I appreciate the voters’ confidence in me and I hope I haven’t disappointed them.”
While Mills has made the decision not to run for re-election, he also isn’t ready to slow down for the rest of his term. He’ll be mayor until October, so Mills said the next six months will be busy.
Commissioner Linda Peterson, who until recently was Mills’ vice-mayor, is expected to run for mayor, and Mills said he will back her in that endeavor.
“I definitely support Linda — she’s a good, solid leader,” he said. “She’s proven she’s committed to doing the job.”
Just because he won’t be mayor, local residents shouldn’t count Mills out of community and state efforts to help improve this community.
Kim Morava may be reached at 214-3962 or kimberly.morava@news-star.com.
