Mayor cites personal reasons for not seeking re-election

Photo

Hubbard Mayor Richard Keenan

Staff report

HUBBARD

Mayor Rich Keenan, 60, said his decision not to seek re-election was based on personal reasons.

Keenan, 60, said he wanted to spend more time with his family. He and his wife, Diana, have three daughters and three grandchildren, who do not live in the area.

Keenan also said he wanted to devote more time to volunteer service to help people with alcohol and drug-addiction problems. He volunteers with Teen Challenge.

“I want to do a lot more,” the mayor said of volunteer service. “I want to do that with no restrictions.”

Keenan took office Jan. 5, 2010, after a special election by council. Former Mayor Arthur Magee resigned Dec. 12, 2009, because of health problems. Keenan is completing Magee’s term that ends this year.

Keenan retired in December as a car inspector with CSX Railroad in New Castle, Pa. In the city, he had served as councilman of the 4th Ward.

Keenan has dealt with a tight budget and controversy while in office. He placed Police Chief Martin Kanetsky on paid administrative leave Jan. 6. Keenan has repeatedly said “no comment” about why Kanetsky is on leave.

John D. Darko, Democrat, filed paperwork with Trumbull County Board of Election to put his name on the ballot for the office of mayor. He is unopposed in the Democratic primary, and no Republican filed for the office. The deadline for independents to file to run is May 2.