Best steps down from council

Times Reporter  

 

At the Sept. 18 town council meeting Councillor Earl Best made an announcement that he will not be seeking re-election. 

“It is with a heavy heart and a great deal of sadness and reflection that I sit facing council tonight. Earlier this evening I notified Mayor Grajczyk that I do not intend to seek re-election to the Town of Strathmore’s town council,” said Best.

“For the past nine years it has been my privilege and honour to sit as a councillor and I have been extremely fortunate to represent and serve the fine citizens of this great town.”

Best said he is sad and regretful to step down but he can walk away with his head held high knowing that he was true and honest in all his dealings with and for the town of Strathmore. In his nine years as a councillor, Best has served with three mayors and 12 councillors. He has a special place in his heart for the town staff and administration who always work their hardest for the town. Best also gave thanks to Colleen, his wife, who has always given him love and support in everything he does.

“Nine years is a long time and from the first time that I ran just about everything has been accomplished and I can walk away now happy about that,” said Best. 

During the course of his three terms Best has seen projects near and dear to him completed, one of which is the donation of the wetlands to the town.

“That was my baby, it was something I pushed for and I fought for and I sat in their board room one day when they gave it to us, I wanted to run down the table and kiss the guy,” said Best laughing. 

Other completed projects he is particularly proud of are the swimming pool completion, the pipeline from Calgary, annexation, the effluent line to the Bow River and talks with the province about the proper realignment of Highway 1. He is also proud of successfully being part of pushing to get a smoking bylaw put through in town. Best said when he couldn’t do it from municipal council, he was involved in pushing AUMA to lobby the government, and two months later Bill 201 was a reality.

“I have been very fortunate I have been able to deal with the seniors for the past nine years. I have been the town representative to the Happy Gang, it’s a great joy,” said Best.

“I think the thing I feel very proud of is for nine years I have been very approachable and prepared to listen and I think that if someone is going to run for council they have to know that that is something that they have to have.”

Best said the main reason he is not running for re-election is because it is time, and perhaps there can be new blood on council that have different thoughts and can help the town go in a different direction. He intends to join a couple of boards and would like to wean himself off of being involved in a public way rather than quit it all cold turkey. Best also plans to trace his family roots, something he thinks is very important. 

“I wish all those who run for council and mayor the best of luck and I thank you for everything,” said Best.