EASTHAMPTON — Citing long hours and a desire for more free time, Easthampton Mayor Karen Cadieux announced Monday she will not seek a third term this fall.

Cadieux said she will retire when her current term ends early next year, capping off a four-year run as mayor. Prior to becoming mayor, she worked for more than two decades for the city.

Cadieux’s announcement comes less than two weeks after attorney Nicole M. LaChapelle officially kicked off her candidacy for mayor and the same day nomination papers for municipal offices are available in the city clerk’s office.

Cadieux said competition was not a reason for her decision to retire rather than seek re-election, though she did say, “I love a challenge.”

But working long hours and often over holidays led Cadieux to want something she hasn’t had much of lately — time.

“It’s time for me to have the precious gift of time and time is precious,” Cadieux said.

Cadieux, 63, started working for Easthampton in 1994 and became former mayor Michael Tautznik’s assistant in 1996 when Easthampton adopted a mayoral form of government.

In 2013, Tautznik did not run for re-election and Cadieux was elected mayor with 59 percent of the vote, defeating three competitors. She ran unopposed in 2015, winning a second term in office.

“She was there since day one and it showed,” City Councilor Salem Derby said.

Derby said the mayor was efficient with her management, didn’t have to hire lawyers to do union contract negotiations and was able to grow many departments by reinstating positions that were cut in the past.

City Councilor Joseph McCoy said he was always impressed with Cadieux’s financial ability, noting most recently how she consolidated departments which ultimately allowed her to honor the school department’s exact funding request for fiscal 2018. The budget funds five additional positions to the city’s schools.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed working harmoniously with our Police and Fire Chiefs, School Superintendent, the City Council, and all city departments to move Easthampton forward,” Cadieux said in a statement Monday. “I never lost sight of my promise to work for and respectfully represent every citizen of Easthampton.”

Sometimes her compassion is overlooked, McCoy said. Right after shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Cadieux was tying up ribbons in Easthampton, McCoy said.

Fire Chief David Mottor said if there was a fire that impacted people in the community, Cadieux wanted to know about it. He said 99 percent of the time, Cadieux would show up and make sure the family was OK. When a mircoburst hit Mount Tom, Cadieux was at the scene before the sun rose.

“She definitely cared about the people of Easthampton,” Mottor said.

On Monday, Cadieux listed some of her accomplishments as mayor such as completing the Nashawannuck Pond Promenade project, moving into the design phase of a complete streets project for Union Street and renovating the entry and first floor of the Old Town Hall.

“Also as promised, we have blown open the doors of communication with the business community which began with a partnership and collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce,” Cadieux said. “And is evidenced by the revitalization of our EDIC (Economic Development and Industrial Commission), or permitting process, the small business guide handbook and the ‘listening forum’ on competitiveness which resulted in the institution of our ‘roundtable business discussion meetings’ and future zoning review.”

Tautznik said one hard thing about exiting office is leaving behind unfinished projects. The former mayor said he was happy to see some of the projects he started completed under Cadieux, such as the boardwalk on Nashawannuck Pond.

“It’s really nice when your successor sees the value in those projects,” he said. “I wish her the best.”

Eastworks owner Will Bundy said the mayor has been thoughtful and supportive in regards to the mill building rehabilitation.

“She was a very good listener and considered what people brought to the table,” Bundy said. “She’s shown a lot of care for Easthampton.”

There were a few rough patches during Cadieux’s time in office, including in 2015 when she cut funding to the Easthampton Community Center. The city would typically fund $20,000 to $24,000 out of the food pantry’s roughly $160,000 operating budget.

“No one is ever happy when their funding gets cut,” ECC executive director Robin Bialecki said. “She did try to do the best for everyone andthat’s never an easy task.”

LaChapelle, meanwhile, turned in her nomination papers to the city clerk’s office on Monday and is awaiting certification. She said Cadieux’s retirement came as a surprise to her.

“I wish her nothing but the best,” LaChapelle said.

Caitlin Ashworth can be reached at cashworth@gazettenet.com.

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