Just one year before the next municipal election, Bob Cammidge has resigned as mayor of the Town of Bashaw, effective Oct. 31.
“After close to 12 years involved as part of town council in Bashaw, I believe it is time for a change in future direction and adventure in my life,” Cammidge said as he read his resignation letter during a regular council meeting last Thursday.
He declined to elaborate on his personal reasons for leaving office prematurely.
“It was just a decision I had made,” Cammidge later told the Bashaw Star. “It was time.”
For the next year, the town plans to operate with a council of one mayor and three councillors, because the Municipal Government Act states the vacant seat isn’t required to be filled with less than one year to go before the next election.
Bashaw council plans to appoint the new mayor in the coming weeks.
Mayor for the past five years, Cammidge, 72, said he has enjoyed his tenure as a councillor and as mayor, while working with “skilled and dedicated” colleagues.
“It is both an interesting and challenging position, rightly demanding both time and full attention,” he said.
“I leave knowing that the Town of Bashaw will be in the hands of both experienced and dedicated people interested in the good of the entire community.”
Council members lauded Cammidge for his efforts.
“We offer our sincere thanks for all your service,” said Coun. Rob McDonald. “The town is a better place because of your involvement.”
“You dedicated a lot of time and effort to the community,” said Coun. Jason Olson.
Penny Shantz, an eight-year councillor, saluted Cammidge for his dedication to trying to make the Bashaw community better.
“His first thoughts were what’s best for the community,” said Shantz, the longest-serving member after Cammidge’s 12 years of service.
As he leaves public office, the retiring Bashaw mayor fondly rates his longtime hometown as a strong community.
“I think Bashaw is very vibrant,” Cammidge said.
“People take pride in their properties — and Bashaw is a safe place for families.”
With a prominent and ever-growing seniors’ population, the new Bashaw Meadows supportive-living complex under construction on 56 Avenue has been his major highlight as a councillor, Cammidge said.
“It was in the works for about 10 years and I was behind it all the way.”
Scheduled to be open by the spring of 2013, the new Bashaw seniors’ complex is slated to accommodate 63 affordable residential units for seniors and people with disabilities. It will replace the Bashaw Valley Lodge.
RESIGNATION LETTER FROM THE MAYOR
Members of Bashaw town council:
Consider this my official letter of resignation as mayor of the Town of Bashaw, effective Oct. 31, 2012.
After close to 12 years involved as part of town council in Bashaw, I believe it is time for a change in future direction and adventure in my life.
I have enjoyed my terms as a (Bashaw) councillor and as mayor.
It is both an interesting and challenging position, rightly demanding both time and full attention. Working with skilled and dedicated people has been a bonus.
I leave knowing that the Town of Bashaw will be in the hands of both experienced and dedicated people interested in the good of the entire community.
Thank you for your help during this very interesting term of my life.
Robert Cammidge
Mayor of Bashaw