Mayor Greg Gardner's decision not to run for re-election in November creates a significant void in Squamish politics, says the Squamish Chamber of Commerce president.
Gardner made the announcement in statement issued on Saturday (July 30). He thanked the community for supporting him during his term as mayor and said he was proud of the progress the District of Squamish has made during the 2 years since he was elected in 2008.
Gardner did not go into the reasons behind his decision not to run, adding that he was on holidays until Monday (Aug. 8).
Maurice Freitag, the chamber's president, was a bit surprised by Gardner's decision, but he admitted the mayoral role is an onerous task.
"I know (Gardner) spent a lot of his own time trying to get things moving in Squamish," Freitag said, adding that the mayor's holiday is well deserved.
In the statement, Gardner listed a number of municipal actions he saw as achievements - the Squamish Nation Accord, the SODC sub-area plan and multiple infrastructure projects including dyke, water, sewer, solid waste.
"We were able to effect very significant positive change including a complete organizational restructuring, increased operational efficiencies evidenced by a budget surplus, the rebuilding of external relationships, reduced business and light industrial tax rates and increased commercial development," he stated.
Gardner streamlined council and fostered a relationship with the business community, Freitag said. He said he wants to see those initiatives continue with whomever wins the mayor's seat in the Nov. 19 election. Stepping into Gardner's shoes will be difficult for any newly elected mayor, Freitag warned, as Gardner had the resources and time to pour into the role.
So far no one has officially announced his or her candidacy for the major's job. One politician who won't be in that race is Coun. Bryan Raiser. He suspects by next month mayoral candidates will come forward, adding that those will likely include one or more current council members. The election nomination period runs from Oct. 4 to 14.
Gardner won the most recent municipal election handily, picking up 80.5 per cent of the votes on Nov. 14, 2008. Terrill Patterson finished a distant second and John Erickson third in a three-candidate race.
- with files from Ben Lypka, The Chief
