Chavonne, is a 58-year-old Democrat. He was first elected mayor in 2005. He thinks eight years of running City Hall is enough for him.
"I can't sit back and complain about any one of those days," said Chavonne.
Chavonnoe says he knew after he won a fourth term that it would be his last. But he says controversy over a ticket fixing scandal, accusations of police racial profiling, and a council that argued and bickered did not affect his decision not to run.
"We've got ten council members that have very strong feelings and a passion about their position," said Chavonne.
Chavonne's supporters point to a new state veterans' park, along with numerous other community military projects, and a downtown renaissance that included an All America City award, as some of his accomplishments.
Born and raised in Fayetteville, Chavonne said his biggest challenge was getting residents to be proud not ashamed of their military connection. He said he'll always remember the people he met along the way.
"You hope that you have left some place better than you found it," said Chavonne. "I believe our city is in a better place, and we continue to move forward."
In a statement released Tuesday, Chavonne said his efforts to improve Fayetteville will not end when he leaves office.
» (Click here to read the full statement.) «
Chavonne's decision throws the political door at City Hall wide open. There is already a lot of talk about who will run in November.
This will be the first time in a quarter century that voters will face an open seat for mayor in Fayetteville.
See It On TV | Report A Typo |
Send Tip |
Get Alerts | Send us photos
Follow @abc11 on Twitter | Become a fan on Facebook
