Patrick Hunter, Moorpark's mayor for 12 years, announced Monday that he is not seeking re-election in November.

He said that the position was what he did, "but is not who I am," and that he is ready to move forward with a new chapter in his life.

"I had a heartfelt discussion with my wife, and we weighed the pros and cons of the decision," Hunter said Monday afternoon.

Hunter, 46, said he has no plans to seek another office. While he will continue his position as a lieutenant with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, he will end his three terms as mayor in December.

"I have dedicated 16 years of my life to the council, and I have enjoyed every minute of service," he said.

Hunter has been on the Moorpark City Council since 1992 and became mayor in 1996.

The news came as a surprise to fellow Councilman Keith Millhouse. "That's a big shock," he said.

He said Hunter has been instrumental in the development of Moorpark, and called him a "great friend and a great leader."

"Even when we disagree, we do it for the passion we have for the city. I will miss him on the council," said Millhouse, who has been a Moorpark councilman since 2000.

The four-year mayoral seat is now open. The nominating period for all council positions is July 14 to Aug. 8. Since Hunter will not seek re-election, mayoral candidates have three extra business days to file.

Hunter has spent a long time in law enforcement and has advocated for various police-related programs throughout the years, including a volunteer citizens patrol program. He also went to bat for the DARE program when it was threatened with extinction.

Capt. Ron Nelson, Moorpark's new chief of police, has known Hunter throughout the years, back when Nelson patrolled Moorpark streets.

"He's always been very cordial and very professional," Nelson said. "He is very much a supporter of public safety."

Hunter said he wants to spend more time with his wife, Kathy, and two sons, Cole and Brett. Brett is a junior at Pepperdine University and was recently invited to play for the Oakland A's. Cole, 18, will be a freshman at Pepperdine in the fall.

Hunter said he has to tend to the newest member of his family, Emmett, a 4-month-old black Lab.

Hunter has been a Moorpark resident since 1989 and has lived in the same house in the Mountain Meadows area. In 1992, he decided he wanted to get into local government to usher the city through the growing pains of retail, housing and commercial development.

One of his fondest memories includes his first foray into local politics as he wheeled his sons, then ages 5 and 3, in a little wagon, campaigning in different neighborhoods.

"Their dad has been a city councilman or a mayor, and that's all they've ever known," Hunter said. "I'm excited about the future."