During my more than six years as a member of the Takoma Park City Council, I’ve done my best to communicate openly with those I represent. It’s in that spirit that I’m announcing today I’m not going to run for re-election this year. That means my time on the Council will end in November, shortly after this fall’s local election.
It was an incredible honor initially to have been elected as a Councilmember, and a true privilege to have served on the Council for three terms. I’d like to say thank you to Ward One’s voters for giving me that opportunity. Being able to work daily with them, along with my Council colleagues, City staff, and the broader community for the betterment of Takoma Park and the neighborhood I love has been a personally rewarding experience and a professional highlight.
A central part of that work has been the ongoing interaction with residents. We didn’t always agree, but I knew I could always count on the people of Ward One to have the best interests of their home City at heart. So closing the more formal chapter of that relationship isn’t something to be done lightly.
But I never thought of the Councilmember position as being one to which I somehow had an entitlement. Seven years seems like a good length of time to do my part and then defer to others. And as much as I think I’ve played a positive role, I have every confidence that -- with the amazing talent we have in Ward One -- there are plenty of others who can step up and make positive contributions on the Council in ways that are well aligned with Takoma Park’s tradition of progressive policies and responsive government.
We’re fortunate that our local campaign season generally lasts little more than two months. That said, while I’ll continue to be as active as ever on the Council in the coming months, I thought it was appropriate to make this announcement now. That way, anyone who decides to seek the Ward One Council position will have time to make the necessary plans and arrangements. For those who may consider running, feel free to reach out to me if you’d like to learn more about what it’s like to be an elected official in Takoma Park.
Peter Kovar, Takoma Park City Council, Ward One