After 30 years serving the people of Plympton-Wyoming, Mayor Lonny Napper is stepping down after the October election.

He made the announcement at Wednesday evening’s council meeting.

Napper first served on the council of Plympton Township and then as councillor of the newly amalgamated Town of Plympton-Wyoming council. He became the deputy mayor during the town’s second election and then the second mayor of the community when Pat Davidson was elected Member of Parliament for Sarnia-Lambton. He’s served as mayor ever since.

“I did have a lot of encouragement to run this time again, I just think it is time. There have been a lot of changes in my life…I just think it is time to look after Lonny now,” Napper told councillors. His wife of 53 years, Carolyn, passed away in January. She had lived at Lambton Meadowview Villa in Petrolia for several years after being diagnosed and living with Multiple Sclerosis.

The mayor says he’s been “lucky enough” to secure an apartment at the Lambtonian next to Meadowview. When he’s in Petrolia, he plans to volunteer at the home. Napper also plans to spend time in Wisconsin with his daughter and son-in-law.

Napper made the announcement now because he wanted give people enough time to mount a campaign for Plympton-Wyoming’s top job. Napper wanted to “clear the tracks” for members of council to consider their future.

“I’ll get out of the road and let you guys fight this one out,” says Napper.

“I have no regrets; I just think it is time. I wish you all well. I just hope you don’t screw things up and make me want to come back,” he joked.

Councillors gave the mayor a brief standing ovation after his announcement. Napper will serve out the rest of his term, leaving office after the October election.