Strathmore mayor not running for re-election

By Miriam Ostermann, Associate Editor

Miriam Ostermann
Times Associate Editor

It was too many missed family dinners that ultimately solidified the decision to forego running for re-election, and by taking a page out of Strathmore’s book, Mayor Michael Ell will be focusing on his family’s own quality of life.
The decision to not seek another term in this year’s municipal election followed various discussions and was rooted in Ell’s desire to enjoy his retirement with his wife Ellen.
For the past four years, Ell’s mayoral duties of participating in committee meetings, council meetings and community events meant he was sacrificing time spent with his family.
While his stint in office was gratifying and an experience the former businessman will likely never forget, Ell is looking forward to the next chapter of his life.
“My decision not to run again came to the fact that it’s about time for Ellen and I to share some time together,” he said. “We’re both retired, and in the past four years there has been many, many evenings that she sat at home alone; and there’s been many, many times that she sat and ate supper by herself because I was at a meeting or committee. I didn’t feel it was fair because we’re only here for a certain period of time and it’s time for us to think about spending some time together.”
Seven years ago, several residents urged Ell to run for mayor, resulting in him taking the leap and tossing his hat in the ring in 2010 when he ran against five other candidates. While the vote didn’t tip in his favour, he once again announced his campaign several years later and took office on Oct. 21, 2013 as mayor of Strathmore.
Despite no previous experience sitting on council, advice from federal, provincial and municipal officials provided the current mayor with guidance throughout his tenure. Yet, it was the many business grand opening ceremonies, dealing with the community, attending committee meetings and building partnerships that he found most rewarding.
“In the past four years it’s been an honour and a privilege to have served this community, because the citizens in this community are unbelievably good and caring people; it goes without saying,” said Ell.
“There were no surprises for me. It’s busy and you have to be willing to take a lot of personal time and be involved. People who are elected to office, whether it’s municipal, provincial or federal, they run for office because they want to make a change and they’re looking at doing the right thing.”
Although he faced a major challenge in the form of a censure during his first year as mayor – one that was later removed and where details continue to remain scarce – Ell recalled numerous achievements within the town.
Over the years, Strathmore and Wheatland County have worked together and built a stronger partnership, which turned the idea of a field house into a reality. Strathmore and Siksika Nation also formed closer ties, and numerous projects got underway under the Canada 150 umbrella, including development in the downtown. The Strathmore and District Historical Society came into existence, and the Chamber of Commerce grew stronger in members and presence. Strathmore also upgraded the cemetery and is working on better waste management. Overall, however, Ell said he was impressed with the hard work of town administration and staff.
With only a few more days until he vacates his town hall office, Ell did have a few words of advice to the next mayor moving in after the election on Oct. 16.
“Look for help in regards to problems or questions or concerns that you have from other people within and beyond our community, and when you understand that diversity is a good thing because we have so many different opinions, [that’s] what makes Canada so much better,” he said while reflecting on what lies ahead.
“For the past four years I haven’t done a lot of work around the yard or work inside the house. It’s time for us to sit around and smell the flowers for a bit.”