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COLUMBIA -- The who’s who of Columbia gathered at the Knights of Columbus earlier this evening to honor Mayor Darwin Hindman.

After 15 years of service Mayor Hindman is calling it quits.

KRCG’s Mark Slavit was there -- who Hindman says he has enjoyed working with and has known for more than 20 years.

“Mark started covering me on various issues long before I became mayor,” said Hindman. “I’ve had a lot of fun working with him. He’s fair, he asks tough questions but he’s always fair and he’s a great guy to work with.”  

Hindman says he’ll miss some duties as mayor, but not everything.

“I feel little bit sad in a way cause I’m gonna miss this in some respects,” said Hindman. “But I think when the first Monday comes along and a I don’t to prepare for a council meeting and don’t have to attend one as much as I enjoy my colleagues, I will enjoy being home.”

Hindman says he’s seen Columbia’s population grow from 65,000 to 100,000; and seen improvement in the city’s diversity, businesses and economy.

“I think it’s just gotten to be a better place to live,” said Hindman. “It always has been a great place to live But in my opinion Columbia is truly an outstanding place to live in and I think over those 15 years there’s been steady improvement.”

Hindamn says his routes are in Columbia and has no plans of leaving the city.

As for the upcoming election he says there are some good people running for his seat but is staying out of it.