After 15 years of serving the community of Moose Jaw as both mayor and councillor, Don Mitchell will be stepping down as an elected official.

"It's a family issue," said Mitchell following the announcement. "My wife hasn't been well and has had some major challenges and as the primary supporter, I can't put the time that I should be putting into addressing some of the issues on city council so I thought I should step aside and give somebody else the opportunity."

Mitchell says he'll stick around until the end of June so that he can help wrap up some of the last budget work for the year and the timing could allow for a midterm bi-election in the fall. Council is expected to discuss what the next steps will be at their regular meeting Monday night.

After so many years of serving the city, what advice does the veteran politician have for anyone who might be thinking of running for his seat at the big desk?

"I think it's really important to have good two way communication with city residents and listen to what they're saying," replied Mitchell. "To be a good listener, be open and available to people, I've tried to do that."

Being a community-minded individual, Mitchell says he will still be actively involved as much as time will allow.