Calgary Councillor Richard Pootmans not running for re-election
Posted Apr 13, 2017 9:13 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Another Calgary councillor won’t be running for re-election this fall.
Ward 6 Councillor Richard Pootmans released a statement Thursday.
Pootmans said it’s been an honour to serve at city hall.
“And representing 87,000 people. It’s a unique experience and probably the most interesting thing I’ll probably do in my life, but it’s demanding. It’s hard on the family and I just think it’s time to give someone else a chance,” he said.
He’s not backing any particular candidate to fill his seat, but said he’s making himself available to hopefuls to give them an idea of how much work the position entails.
“It might be useful for the city hall clerks department to put on a half day or day-long seminar for those who are interested in running,” he said.
“We have people to this day that wonder: ‘is it a part time job? Can I keep my day job?’ No. To fulfill the potential of this job and to take advantage of the opportunity to really drive the city forward from your perch in council – if you’re spending less than 60 hours a week, I just don’t think you’re in the game.”
Pootmans said he’s thinking about going into the economic development sector.
