Many people work long and hard in their jobs for years, often decades, and when the prospect of retirement looms large it can sometimes come with mixed blessings.
On one hand there is the exciting prospect of having more time to spend with the family, on hobbies or to travel.
On the other hand, there’s also time to reflect on whether you have done enough, reached your goals, or could have done better.
As my own retirement from Council and the Mayorship looms, after 32 years with the organisation, I have to admit I am probably still somewhere in the middle with my thoughts fluctuating as they are fanned by a variety of factors.
Certainly, more time with the family is very high on the immediate agenda. Like many families, we have all strived to be the best in our chosen fields, while at the same time we have had each other’s back no matter what.
I couldn’t have done what I have achieved without the unwavering support of my wife Lynne and our four wonderful children Jacqui, Stephanie, Lachlan and Mitchell.
They all bought into my career and I wouldn’t have been so successful without them.
But, if I am honest, I am really going to miss the opportunity I have been given as a Councillor and then Mayor to fix problems for my community and the people of Logan.
I love winning. And I love winning for the people of Logan.
In politics, you can do so much, you can achieve so much and you can leave legacies.
I always look for the next challenge and politics has provided that.
It’s about the fight and the win. I’ve not won every fight, but I have won most of them.
I am going to miss that, but I need to take time out and now is the right time to do that.
This will be my final column in MyCity Logan as Mayor. I thank the editor Simon Holt for the opportunity and appreciate all those readers who have taken the time to read my thoughts each week.
For those Councillors who are returning unopposed, and to the successful candidates after this weekend’s election, I wish you all the best for what will undoubtedly be challenging times for our booming, growing city.
Rest assured, this newly minted retiree will be keeping a very close and watchful eye as the new four-year term unfolds.
Finally, my thanks go to the entire City of Logan community. We are special here in so many different ways. I have been proud and privileged to serve you.
