Innisfail will get a new mayor this fall. Ken Graham, after much contemplation, said on Thursday that he will not run for a third term. He has decided to spend more time golfing and having fun with his five grandchildren.
“It’s not an easy decision. I’m still enjoying (public office), but it takes a lot of time away from the family.
Graham, 63, tackled municipal politics after retiring eight years ago from his job as director of property assessment for the Province of Manitoba.
With his daughters living in Calgary and Edmonton, Graham had decided to move to Innisfail so he could spend his retirement close to them and their children.
Innisfail has made great progress in recent years, leaving it well positioned for new development when the economy improves, said Graham.
Among them, the town has negotiated an intermunicipal development agreement with Red Deer County and annexed 10 quarter sections for future growth.
After years of lobbying, it was able to convince the province to create the Hwy 54 bypass, with significantly improves access to industrial land at the west side of town.
Access for heavy trucks going in and out of the industrial area has been a problem since 1973, when development first started in that area, said Graham.
He is also proud of the town’s new library, now under construction, that features a number of green innovations, including a planted wall and roof.
The municipal election is set for Monday Oct. 18.
bkossowan@www.reddeeradvocate.com