Pacific Grove mayor pulls out of 2024 election, will not seek another term
Pacific Grove Mayor Bill Peake will not seek re-election this year. He took his name off the 2024 ballot and effectively ended his bid.
Peake has been mayor of Pacific Grove since 2018, and was originally on this year’s ballot. However, he made the decision to step away from council and will be focusing on other endeavors.
“This will allow me to devote more time to family, staying healthy and personal pursuits,” Peake said. “Deciding not to continue comes with mixed feelings. I greatly enjoy being a part of council and working for the well being of our community.”
Peake said multiple people have asked him to reconsider, but he is going to watch the next election from the sidelines and encourages votes for Mayor Pro Tem Nick Smith.
“There’s a time for people to step down or move on and I believe that the community will be well served if they elect Nick Smith,” Peake said.
Peake was elected to the city council in 2014, before running for mayor and winning in 2018. As a council member he served on the Monterey Peninsula Regional Water Authority Board, Technical Advisory Committee, Access Monterey Peninsula Board and Monterey County Emergency Policy Communications Advisory Council.
Prior to his time on city council, Peake served on the Recreation Board from 2011 to 2014, and was secretary on the Heritage Society of Pacific Grove Board from 2013 to 2016.
Peake’s municipal work was instrumental in helping create a Point Pinos Coastal Trail, and serving on the fundraising committee for the Stillwell Children’s Pool at Lovers Point.
He has also shared his passion for Pacific Grove’s environment and ecosystem through his efforts volunteering at Chamber of Commerce events and city park gardening activities. He has also volunteered with the restoration efforts at Point Pinos Lighthouse for the last 14 years.
Peake said his volunteer work will continue and he is looking forward to finding more organizations to join.
“I’m thinking there’s a lot of great volunteer opportunities here, and we’ll see where I can volunteer just in town,” Peake said. “Of course, we have the museum as a great example.”
