After 48 years of public service, a North Texas mayor is calling it quits. 94-year-old Olive Stephens announced that she will not seek her 20th term as mayor of Shady Shores.
Stephens said her time as mayor may be wrapping up, but this is not the end of her walk in public service.
"Listen, if my legs don't go out on me, I'm planning on doing things until my last breath," Stephens said.
Come May, the town of Shady Shores must find another leader. Stephens said it's time to pass the torch after 38 years as mayor and 10 more years on the town council. She said her legs are weak, and at times it's hard to walk.
"I can't attend a lot of functions that I would like to attend," Stephens said.
Stephens will leave a mark on her community as she moves forward. From the paved roads to the new Town Hall, she's been a part of it all.
"My idea was to develop an area where people live where they would be free. They could live their lives and raise their children and be happy," Stephens said.
Politics
Politics from around the world.
The mayor said she's most proud of what she will not be leaving behind.
"Well, I've left you without any debt and money in the bank, so let's see if we can keep it that way," she said.
Stephens says she's looking out for the future of the town she helped raise.
