Board stalwart hands over reins

After 18 years at the helm of the Winton Community Board, John McHugh is handing over the reins.

McHugh, or Chub as most people know him, has decided not to stand in the upcoming local government elections for the Winton community board, though it’s not without a bit of a heavy heart.

‘‘I’ll miss the whole thing,’’ he said.

‘‘When you do 18 years becomes a big part of your life.’’

Born and raised in Winton, McHugh said local politics wasn’t initially in the forefront of his mind, but when he was approached by the board’s chairman in the 90s, he couldn’t see a reason not to give it a go.

Winton’s main street redevelopment was among his career highlights as a board member, though it didn’t come without its share of scrutiny.

‘‘Because I was a community board member and worked on the main street I actually got a lot of flack,’’ he said. it

However, he said most people in Winton were pleased with the final product.

‘‘We’ve had more pats on the back than brick bats,’’ he said.

He was proud of his time on the board, but felt it was time to step aside and give others the opportunity to bring something new to the board, he said.

‘‘I think you become part of the community, you feel like you’re contributing ... connecting with the public as to what’s happening,’’ he said.

He was pleased there would be an election for the board, and advised those new to the board to make sure they listened well.

‘‘Don’t make any false promises because you are only one person and you do have to have a general consensus around the table to move forward,’’ he said.

Stepping down at the close of the election in October, he was looking forward to visiting his holiday home in Arrowtown more often and committing to time with family.

‘‘I’ll have more time to spend with my wife,’’ he said.