Rempel resigns

Shannon LeClair

Times Reporter

 

Health issues, partly related to stress, are the reason why one long-time councillor handed in his resignation on Oct. 15.
John Rempel has served 14 years as a councillor in the community, and says it is now time to step back.
“The last year I’ve been dealing with some medical issues, and they’re not going away. The medical professionals that I have been working with strongly suggested that I remove myself from the stress of being on council,” said Rempel. “I don’t like the idea of quitting before the end of the term, but I really couldn’t see myself finishing the term, so I might as well step aside to give somebody else an opportunity to serve the community and serve out the term for me.”
Rempel doesn’t plan to fully retire – he drives bus for the international students, something he said he doesn’t find stressful at all, and he will likely find something else to keep himself busy.
“There’s a lot more stress involved than what people might think. I guess maybe as you get older you don’t deal with stress as well as maybe when you’re younger,” said Rempel of being on council.
The first few terms went by fast, and he was looking forward to dealing with issues, but said this last year has been an overwhelming one for him.
“So I felt it was in the town’s best interest if I resigned. If I couldn’t fully commit myself to being there and to doing what’s expected of us,” said Rempel.
A lot of things have been accomplished during his time on council but “what stands out most of all is the satisfaction that I got from representing the seniors of this community, that was an absolute pleasure to do that, and that’s one thing that I will probably miss more than anything.”
“I’ve worked with John Rempel for many years … he has been a dedicated councillor, he always voiced his opinions, was good to deal with, and he listened to the public,” said Chief Administrative Officer Dwight Stanford of the news.
A by-election has been called in light of the resignation news. Nomination day is Nov. 17. The advanced vote will be on Dec. 8 and the Election Day will be held on Dec. 15 at the Civic Centre.