Palestine Mayor Bob Herrington announced Thursday that he will not be seeking re-election in 2017.
Herrington served as the mayor of Palestine from 2009-2012 and was elected to another term in 2015.
"When I get involved in something, I tend to go all-in, sometimes to the detriment of other things that might need my attention,” Herrington said in a written statement. “The operations at city hall and the issues we face have consumed a lot of my time and taken a mental and physical toll on me.
“As a result, I have neglected other projects, such as finishing our home,” he said. “The neighbors have waited long enough and I owe them my full attention to finish the work on the house."
Herrington added that it has been an honor for him to serve and he has more goals to accomplish in his remaining time as mayor. He also expressed that he was especially thankful to all of those he has gotten to work with.
The application period for the May 6 city election begins on Wednesday, Jan. 18 and ends May 2.
The application can be picked up at City Hall, 504 N. Queen St., Palestine. Four positions will be decided, including the mayor and council districts 2, 4, and 6.
Early voting for the election will take place at City Hall and begins on April 24. City of Palestine officials said more information will be available closer to that time.
More information on the 2017 election is available online at www,cityofpalestinetx.com.
Below is a list of qualifications for the positions.
Mayor Qualifications
• Must be a resident citizen of the city of Palestine
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Must be a qualified voter of the State of Texas
• Must be a resident of the city of Palestine for a period of not less than 12 months immediately preceding election
Council Member Qualifications
• Must be a resident citizen of the city of Palestine
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Must have been a resident of the city of Palestine and district for which they are running, for a period of six months immediately preceding the election
• Must be a qualified voter of the State of Texas
- Augusta Robinson