Auburn City Councilman John Holman is tossing in the towel.

On Tuesday afternoon Holman announced he will not seek reelection to the Position 5 seat he has held since 2012.

“I am choosing to step aside after finishing two terms in office,” Holman said. “It is my belief that good governance is best achieved when the responsibility is broadly shared amongst community members. City governance benefits from the infusion of new individuals with different talents, views and life experiences.”

In making his announcement, Holman touched on two of his often-repeated themes: diversity in the community, and the benefit of opening up room for fresh ideas and perspectives.

“Diversity in all its dimensions includes age, gender, race and most other human manifestations and characteristics,” Holman said. “This is not just some sort of popular mantra; it is a prescription for making better decisions. Research has proven that better group decisions are made by broadly constructed boards. The ability to make good decisions is hampered when boards become too homogeneous in any dimension.

“Simply put, I like the work I’ve done my best and now it’s time for someone else to step up,” Holman added.

Within the last two weeks, community activist Vera Orlandic-Hodak and Auburn School Board member Robyn Mulenga announced they would both run for Position 5, setting up the only City Council primary to date.

“I want to thank the people of Auburn for helping guide and support me as I served as a City Council member,” Holman said. “We have lots of talented and bright individuals who call Auburn home. I am sure that the next iteration of the council will continue to serve our community well.

Holman said he would make an endorsement after filing week closes.

“After all, I want what is best for Auburn, and I live here too,” Holman said.