AVON/PRESHO - After six years serving as Avon's mayor, Kevin Tjeerdsma is calling it quits - temporarily.
Tjeerdsma was elected in April 2011, defeating opponent Jill Grogan 122-82 and has held the post since. Tjeerdsma served on the Avon City Council for 15 years prior to running for mayor, and he also serves as the town's fire chief.
Tjeerdsma said his wife has cancer, but her diagnosis is not why he chose not to run for re-election. Instead, Tjeerdsma wanted to focus on his work, he said, but isn't ruling out a return to city government in the future.
"I figure after all this time, maybe somebody else can have a chance, because it's a really great opportunity," Tjeerdsma said Friday. "I'm looking forward to down the road maybe giving it another go."
Replacing Tjeerdsma will be Keith Gill, the only person to file a nominating petition for the position. Gill served as mayor for two years prior to Tjeerdsma's tenure, but chose at the time to not run for re-election.
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Meanwhile, Presho Mayor Mike Springer is challenged by Anthony Urban for an April 11 election. Springer took office in May of 2011, and has served three consecutive two-year terms.
Also in Presho, Ward III Councilman Lance Mortonson will run for re-election, and will be challenged by Carl Brakke.
