The Reeve for Hanover is seeking a fourth term as head of council. Stan Toews announced Thursday he is running for re-election.

Toews was first elected to Hanover council in 1995. He spent 11 years as Councillor before running for Reeve. Toews is wrapping up his 12th year as Reeve.

"I've been grappling with this (decision) for quite some time," admits Toews.

In making his decision, Toews says he asked himself what else he might like to do with his life as he gets older.

"But I came to the conclusion I enjoy this, so why stop doing what you enjoy," he says.

Toews says he has a good track record during his time on council and if elected he will continue trying to keep taxes low while providing good services.

Since elected, Hanover has grown from a population of just over 9,000 residents in 1995 to more than 16,000 where it sits today. He notes the tremendous growth has forced the municipality to increase wastewater facilities in each community and upgrade two water systems.

Toews says he has an excellent council to work with and also enjoys working with neighbouring municipalities.

"I kind of made it my agenda to get to know the heads of councils as well as their CAO's," he says. "I think as a region we've worked much better together and for that, I think we're stronger and we can accomplish more."

Toews says another factor in deciding whether or not to run is that he is an Eastern District Director with Association of Manitoba Municipalities. The fall municipal election happens prior to his term ending with AMM.

"I've got tremendous support," says Toews, concerning his decision to run again. "It's thumbs up."