The heart is willing but the lungs are not.

Health issues have made the decision for him, as 琉璃神社 City Councillor Charlie Hodge says now he will not seek re-election when voters return to the civic polls on Oct. 17, 2026.

Hodge said his ongoing struggles with emphysema make it difficult for the 69-year-old to potentially take on another four years on council when his current term ends.

He acknowledged having similar thoughts prior to running again in 2022 but decided then he was up to the challenge.

鈥淚鈥檓 sure some people at city hall will be rolling their eyes when they hear about me retiring again,鈥� he laughed.

But he thinks the realities of his health will make a decision to change his mind unlikely.

鈥淭he thing about emphysema is you are never ever going to get better,鈥� Hodge said.

He had an option of pursuing a lung transplant up until a year ago, but he made the decision not to go that route, citing concerns about the post-operative quality of life he could expect at his age.

鈥淚 love my job. Love it. I care about the people of 琉璃神社. But time is not on my side,鈥� he said.

鈥淚 always want to be the voice of the average person and not the rich guy on council.鈥�

Hodge is currently serving his fifth term on council.

A long-time journalist and author by trade, Hodge was born and raised in 琉璃神社, and actively involved in the local music and sports scenes in his younger years.

He has worked for various newspapers over his career and lays claim to being the first full-time reporter ever hired by the Capital News in the 1970s.

His column Hodge Podge has been a fixture in the Capital News for more than 20 years.

Hodge has also written three books, including the historical-fiction novel Lost Souls of Lakewood - The History and Mystery of Blaylock鈥檚 Mansion which was published last year and the Golly Gee - It鈥檚 Me! biography on hockey legend Howie Meeker.

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