SULLIVAN COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) – Richard Venable announced that after serving as mayor of Sullivan County for a cumulative 16 years, he has opted not to seek another term.

“I’ve spent the last 3 years, wrapping up some things and starting some new things,” Venable told News Channel 11.

He also said he hopes to be involved in the next election season if he is asked to be.

“I’ve had various politicians over the years come and meet with me and say, ‘well, can you help me in my election?'” Vernable shared. “I always tell people, if you have three people that are dedicated to getting elected, you’re a lucky person, because most people don’t have the need to have politics in their life every day.”

“So, it’s up to us when we run campaigns to identify who we are, to tell people who we are.”

According to Venable, campaigns should highlight the qualities of a candidate rather than focus on the opponent’s shortcomings. He emphasized the importance of building credibility and maintaining a good reputation.

“In campaigns, I believe you need to showcase yourself, highlight the differences between you and your opponent—without being harsh,” Venable advised. “You don’t have to exaggerate a minor truth into a significant flaw in an opponent.”

In his life, Venable has run seventeen campaigns for many offices, including for the Tennessee General Assembly and, of course, county mayor.

He won fourteen of those elections.

Venable also told News Channel 11 what he would like to see in the next mayor of Sullivan County.

“We’ll seek someone with leadership qualities and demonstrated ability,” Venable stated. “Regarding inquiries from others, there are individuals I might find it challenging to support.”

“That doesn’t mean that I don’t like them. It just means that we haven’t seen eye to eye, and there’s nothing wrong with that.”

He also said his message to Sullivan County residents is to look for a candidate with character, integrity and honesty.

“As we pursue finding my successor, I hope we’ll recognize all candidates as capable people running because they believe in their own abilities, not because they doubt the abilities of others,” Venable expressed.

Venable also thanks the people of Sullivan County for allowing him to serve as mayor for so long.

“The confidence that people have shown in me and my ability to get elected and do the thing that I love,” Venable said, “When the history is written, I hope they’ll say that I had good intentions and I hope they’ll say that I did it with integrity and honesty and humility.”