Downing Won't Seek Re-Election As Holly Springs Mayor

HOLLY SPRINGS, GA -- The long-time mayor of Holly Springs will soon hang up his hat as one of the city's leaders.

Tim Downing has announced he will not seek re-election to the post he's held since 2004. His current tenure expires at the end of the calendar year.

"While I have really enjoyed this period of time at the city, I believe it is time for me to step aside and let someone else do the job," he said. "It is time for me to focus my energy on my family and career."

That career Downing references is his service as a deputy with the Cherokee Sheriff's Office. The mayor first came on to the political scene in 2002 when he served on the City Council. After he served an appointed six-month term as mayor in 2004, Downing was elected to a full, four-year term in the post.

Downing said the uproar of annexations and rezoning decisions in the Holly Springs and Hickory Flat areas had no bearing on his decision.

"While this year has been an active one for our city, I have experienced this before prior to the recession," he said.

Downing is a veteran of the United States Navy, and is an active member of the Cherokee County Development Authority, citizens round table for the Cherokee County Comprehensive Plan Update and member of the Metro Atlanta Mayors Association.

He and wife, Sandra, have two children and have lived in the city since 1999.

When asked if he planned to endorse any candidates to replace him in the race, Downing said he will remain neutral.

"Whoever is elected as mayor needs to evaluate everything I have done over my tenure with the city to validate those decisions or change course," he said. "If I endorse someone I compromise any objectivity the candidate may have."

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Image via city of Holly Springs