After serving more than two decades on the Conyers city council, District 4 Councilman Marty Jones told the News he would not be running for reelection this fall.

“Part of being in leadership is letting other folks in the community contribute. It’s time to bring somebody new in,” said Jones.

Jones, a real estate appraiser and resident of the city since 1987, first joined the city council in 1989.

Dermatologist and Conyers native Dr. John Fountain announced earlier this year he would be running for the seat.

“I know John,” said Jones. “He’ll do a great job.”

“John and I have talked about him taking my place for a couple of years.”

Jones also serves on a number of other boards, including the Downtown Development Authority, which Fountain had chaired, and the board for the Chamber of Commerce and Conyers-Rockdale Economic Development Council.

As far as whether he would continue on the DDA board, Jones said it would be up to the city council to decide, since he is the city council liaison to the DDA board.

Jones said he was not leaving Conyers. “I’m not going anywhere. I’m still going to be the same, ornery SOB,” he said. He added he would still be speaking his mind and letting people know what he thinks.

Two other city council seats are also up for election this fall: District 2 Post 2, currently filled by Vince Evans, and District 3, currently filled by Gerald Hinesly.

Evans said he would be running for reelection.

He said he decided to run because had the support of his most important constituent – his wife. But his reasons for running were also the same as when he started in 2000.

“I really care about the community. Serving on the city council affords me the best opportunity to affect change when it’s needed.”

“I’ve really enjoyed it for the most part,” he said. “The process is really a team effort. I enjoy being a part of that team and that process.”

Hinesly, who joined the city council in 2002, could not be reached by press time.

The qualifying period for the 2011 city council election is Aug. 29 - Sept. 4, from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at City Hall on 1184 Scott Street. The qualifying fee is $27 and candidates are required to have lived in their district for at least a year. For more information, call City Clerk Pat Smith at 770-483-4411.