DesotoExplorer.com

Mitra Templin and Betty Cannon, who have served on the De Soto City Council since 2003, have both said they will not seek re-election in April. "I've been on the council for eight years and it's been wonderful, but I think it's time to allow someone else to become involved with the city," Templin said of her decision.

Cannon echoed this sentiment in a phone interview, voicing a confidence that the council will get along fine with new members.

"There are some good candidates running and there are great people still on the council. I'm sure it's in good hands," Cannon said.

During Templin and Cannon's tenure on the council, De Soto has seen several large-scale projects, namely the construction of the De Soto Aquatic Center and Riverfest Park.

"When I ran the first time, improving the community in ways that would keep people here was the big thing, and I think that's happened," Templin said.

Cannon is also proud of the improvements to the city's amenities and expects them to help the city to continue to progress.

"In the past eight years we got our pool and our sewer system and we've seen growth. We got the water system project started and I expect good things from that. I think the city will see even more growth," Cannon said. "I really enjoyed my time on the council and I believe we accomplished a lot of good."

Templin plans to remain involved in the community and Johnson County. She was recently appointed to the Johnson County Library board by Johnson County's District 6 Commissioner Calvin Hayden. Cannon also intends to remain active in the community in other ways.

"I love living in De Soto and I'm proud to be involved in keeping our community special," Templin said. "I've learned so much about my neighbors and my community while serving the council and it's been a wonderful eight years."