Nesquehoning’s mayor will not seek a third term, he announced last week.

During the monthly meeting of borough council, Mayor Sam Kitchko, who is in his last year of his second term, said that he has made the decision to not seek re-election.

“After discussing this with my family I have decided I will not be seeking a third term,” he said. “I am making this announcement now so that any candidates will have ample time to prepare for the upcoming May primary.

“Last year was a rough year for everyone and we’re not sure what 2021 will bring,” Kitchko added about his upcoming retirement. “But I do know that my son and daughter-in-law from the Philly area have started plans to build a new home this year, and my daughter and son-in-law are planning on building a new home in 2022-23 timeline in the VA Beach area.”

Those two upcoming life changes, as well as five grandsons who are active in various sports, will keep Kitchko away from the community as he and his wife enjoy spending time with their family.

Kitchko, who ran on the Independent ticket, was elected to his first term as mayor in 2014.

He is a lifelong resident of Nesquehoning, and he and his wife, Michele, have two children, Samantha, who is married to Lt. Cmdr. Nino Logan; and Michael, who is married to Sausanie.

Kitchko has been active in the community member of the Nesquehoning Planning Commission and the Nesquehoning Conservation Club.