Silver Lake mayor will not run for another term
Next year, there will be a new mayor in Silver Lake for the first time in 18 years.
Current Mayor Bernie Hovey announced during his State of the Village address last week that he would not seek another term.
"After 18 years, it’s time for someone else," Hovey said during his speech. "I have enjoyed virtually every one of the approximately 6,254 days, 37,524 hours and 2,251,440 minutes that I will have served as your mayor. I will miss being mayor, but I am confident that we have people living here that are fully capable of continuing to move this village forward."
A big change Hovey said he has noticed are the renovations to the existing homes and the construction of new homes in the village, which has more than 2,500 residents within its 1.5 square miles. The village also has improved its infrastructure through the years.
Other highlights include Silver Lake's centennial celebration in 2018, as well as constructing the Veterans Tribute Garden, Hovey said.
Therese Dunphy, vice president of the Village Council, commended Hovey on his service to Silver Lake.
"Mayor Hovey is a dedicated public servant who has faithfully served Silver Lake for more than 20 years," Dunphy said. "From infrastructure improvements to the centennial celebration to the Veterans Tribute Garden, his quiet, behind-the-scene leadership is one of the reasons so many of us love to call the village our home. While his daily leadership will be missed, he has ensured Silver Lake is well positioned for years too come."
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In addition to his years as mayor, Hovey also was on Village Council for six years.
Hovey said he isn't sure yet what he will do in retirement, although he threw out some ideas during his address.
"A greeter at Walmart?" Hovey asked. "A bag boy at Acme? A walker of people's pets? Or maybe just a lazy, old man sitting in my recliner down in my man cave with my TV remote in hand? I’m pretty sure Kathleen won’t go for that last option," he added, referring to his wife.
Hovey commended the work of council and the administrative staff of Silver Lake during his address.
"The accomplishments I have achieved are the result of the hard work of many others," he said. "Whatever good has been done over 18 years has been done because of your support, the support of council, the high level of work done by our service department, the care and protection provided by our police department, and attention to detail of my administrative staff. Me, I just stayed out of their way, and let them make me look good."
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Reporter April Helms can be reached at ahelms@thebeaconjournal.com
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Silver Lake mayor will not run for another term after serving 18 years
