Mayor of Elizabethtown-Kitley Not Seeking Re-Election After eight successful years in office

Mayor Brant Burrow will be laying down the gavel at the end of this term!

NEW DUBLIN – Brant Burrow, the current mayor of Elizabethtown-Kitley, has announced that he will not seek a third consecutive term in the upcoming municipal election, offering clarity well in advance of the nomination deadline.

“I have reached my decision, so there is no point in keeping anyone guessing,” said Burrow. “By clearing the way early, people have lots of time to consider entering the mayoral race. My hope is that residents will ultimately have other strong and worthwhile candidates to choose from to continue the good work that is now underway.”

The nomination period runs from May 1, 2026, through August 21, 2026, at 2 p.m., giving prospective candidates ample opportunity to come forward.

Reflecting on his two terms as mayor, Burrow emphasized that he has always viewed the role as being a temporary steward of the office.

“The people who hold the title come and go, but the office of mayor, itself, is perpetual. It is important to respect it, and not tarnish it,” he said. “Public trust in our institutions seems to erode more with each passing year, so I always tried to keep integrity at the forefront of everything I, and Council, did.”

Looking back over eight years, Burrow noted that the pace of municipal leadership can make it difficult to fully appreciate progress. “When you’re in the day-to-day, you celebrate wins as they come, but there is always another challenge ahead,” he said. “It’s easy to
lose perspective on how much has been accomplished over time.”

Among the more tangible achievements, Burrow highlighted the construction of the new Station 3 Fire Hall near Toledo, progress on the Rows Corners development project, a sustained increase in housing starts, acquiring the former Frankville Public School property, and purchasing 140 acres along North Augusta Road for a future business park.

He also pointed to less visible but equally important work, including reviewing and strengthening outdated policies, managing staff retirements and turnover in key roles, and shifting the township’s approach to fiscal management.

On the financial side, Burrow noted that while average annual levy increases have remained consistent — sitting at 5.3% between 2001 (amalgamation) and 2018, and now at 5.4% over the past eight years — the actual operational results have improved significantly. A key metric is the township’s asset consumption ratio, which measures whether infrastructure is being maintained or allowed to deteriorate.

Prior to 2019, that ratio climbed to over 67%, indicating assets were wearing out faster than they were being replaced. Under recent budgets, it has been reduced closer to 50%.

“The data is never clear until the audit is done, so the results lag behind a bit. We’ll see. I honestly think we may actually be below the 50% mark now,” said Burrow. “Overall, we have been no better or worse than previous councils in terms of tax increases, but we
reversed the deteriorating trend and achieved better outcomes with those same dollars. I am very proud of putting the township on a more prudent and sustainable path.”

Housing growth is another area where Burrow saw a notable turnaround. In 2018, just 7 permits were issued for new homes throughout the entire large township. Since then, the average has risen to about 20 annually, with a peak of 37 permits in 2022. “We changed
the way we treat people who want to build something. That bump in activity permanently increases our tax base and helps offset inflation a little bit,” he said. “It’s all part of building long-term financial sustainability.”

As for his decision to step away, Burrow cited timing and personal commitments. “It takes two and a half months of full-time effort to run a successful campaign. People expect you to be at their doorstep if you want their vote, and I respect that,” he said. “This year, I have
significant personal commitments which will not allow me to invest that time. I’m also facing an intriguing professional opportunity that may not exist in another four years.”

“The past eight years have been fulfilling, and I will continue to work hard for the community right up to the last day. But this is the right decision for me,” he added. “And I am at peace with it.”