Terry Eull said he is enjoying retirement.

The former Niles city administrator retired in October and says he has “no complaints” with his new-found free time.

But Eull couldn’t stay away from local government too long. He announced his candidacy for Niles Township clerk this week. Current Clerk Marge Durm-Hiatt won’t run for re-election.

“It’s kind of something that just happened,” Eull said in an interview Thursday. “I was talking to people around the township and some friends, and they said I should think about running.”

Eull said it’s an ideal position because it would allow him to serve his community “without the grind” of full-time work.

If he wins the post, Eull would bring 35 years of local government experience. He has worked as assessor of both Niles Township and the city of Niles before serving as township supervisor from 1993 to 1998. Eull spent 13 years as Niles city administrator before his retirement.

Eull recognizes that with some strained relationships on the township board and with the township facing a tight budget, it won’t be an easy job.

“I just think in times like these you need people whose goal it is to serve the people,” he said. “I hope we can work as a group to get things better for Niles Township.”

Durm-Hiatt, a lifelong resident of the township, has served as clerk for 12 years. She worked as a trustee for one term and also served as a county commissioner for two years.

“I’m ready to retire,” she said. “My husband and I are going to start enjoying our age.”