(This story was updated Nov. 1 at 9:30 p.m.)
Montpelier Mayor John Hollar will not seek re-election in March, the three-term city leader said Wednesday.
A lobbyist and attorney by trade, Hollar said he has no immediate plans to seek other political office, although he left the door open to a future role at the state or local level.
An imbroglio last year involving City Manager Bill Fraser’s employment influenced the decision to call it quits, Hollar said.
“It was a factor,” Hollar said. “That was a very challenging time. There were some decisions I’d make differently, there was some bad luck … but issues like that are in the nature of jobs like this. It’s something you have to expect, (that) there’ll be unanticipated challenges.”
However, Hollar said he began his third term with the intention of it being his last.
“These offices generally have a shelf life to them, and six years is a reasonable time to serve in what is essentially a volunteer position,” he said.
Hollar said he was proud of improvements to Montpelier’s streets and sidewalks and the city’s affordability during his tenure. The community also has added housing and made important strides in cutting its greenhouse gas emissions, he said.
Hollar, a former student body president and school board chairman, said politics was in his blood. Having spent his entire adult life involved in politics, he said, it wouldn’t be surprising to find himself serving at some other point in state or local office.
Members of the six-person Montpelier City Council said they appreciate Hollar’s service.
Councilor Jean Olson said Hollar has led the city with vision while still seeking others’ insights.
“He’s brought professional expertise, intelligence and a sense of vision, of caring, to this work,” Olson said. “One of his really … strong points is that he welcomes citizen participation, and he values citizen opinion.”
“He sees a bright future for Montpelier,” she added. “He’s been a champion for that.”
Council member Justin Turcotte said he wasn’t surprised to hear of Hollar’s plan to depart, given the length of time he’s already served as mayor.
“John has given a tremendous amount to this city,” Turcotte said. “It’s a long time to devote yourself to public service.”
“I especially appreciate his genuine interest in looking at all sides of an issue and approaching things in … a pragmatic way, and I’m hoping the next mayor will approach things the same way,” he said.
One of the council’s newest members called Hollar a strong leader. “He’s navigated some challenging times,” said Ashley Hill, who was elected in March.
“I think John has really invested a lot of time and energy in Montpelier,” she said.
The council member who’s served on that body the longest, Anne Watson, also said Hollar accomplished a great deal during his tenure.
“I’ve been grateful to work with him,” Watson said. “A lot of long-standing projects have moved forward on his watch, and I think that will be a great legacy for him.”
