The longtime mayor of Sun Peaks is stepping down due to a medical condition.
Al Raine announced he will be leaving his role due to a rare form of ALS called bulbar ALS.
“Presently, I am not suffering and other than my weak voice and deteriorating speech, I am fine,” he said in a letter to the public.
“Swallowing is restricted a little but still okay. I will be meeting with some specialists over the next few weeks, and I am hopeful that they will outline what to expect next in the coming months.”
Raine said the long-term outlook is “not good” and over the next few months he will be working closely with staff and council members for a smooth transition as he steps down from his role.
“I can accept my fate as I truly have lived a wonderful life and at 82, one is close to reaching the end. Enjoyed a wonderful winter skiing this year, 130+ days and no signs of weakness while skiing. I hope to enjoy some tennis this summer,” he said.
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The mayor said he has started to have difficulty with controlling emotions when in face-to-face discussions, which is a side effect of his condition.
Raine requests that if he is seen in public, please have no sad facial expressions or sympathy wishes as it could trigger him.
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He said if people want to talk, they should please have “normal day-to-day discussions.” He said he is also available by email.
Raine has led the mountain-resort community of Sun Peaks since 2010, and is the husband of Olympian and former senator Nancy Greene.
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