Even though Bill Dukes has served in the Alabama Legislature since 1994, we still call him mayor and will continue that affectionate address for the city’s most popular chief executive.

Dukes stunned many people who picked up their newspaper Saturday morning and read he will not be a candidate for re-election next year.

At 82, Dukes still finds it difficult to give up his life’s calling of public service, but apparently that time has come. By the end of his current term in the Legislature, the former mayor will have served in Montgomery 16 years, two years short of his stint as mayor for which Decatur residents know him best.

He hasn’t said so, but Dukes probably liked his role as mayor much more than he likes being the elder statesman in the Legislature. His boundless energy as mayor and his love for people drove the mayor to birthday parties, singings and chili cook-offs. The list of his public appearances is inexhaustible.

To say Bill Dukes liked being mayor is an understatement, but he knew when it was time to take on another challenge. Now, he knows when it is time to leave the Legislature.

We wish him well in retirement, which is to begin in November 2010, when someone else will take the oath of office for the District 8 House seat.

No doubt, Democratic candidates who seek the seat in next year’s primary will want his blessing.