CALGARY- The embattled mayor of High River has explained why he’s not running for his seat again, in the upcoming election.
Emile Blokland has served on council since 2007, and was the mayor when the June flood tore through the town, destroying hundreds of homes. He came under fire by many residents, who thought the government wasn’t doing enough to help save their homes.
He has since decided not to run for mayor, instead vying for a seat as a councillor.
“The last three months have been very challenging for all the residents of High River, and myself personally as well,” he told Global News. “When you make a decision to serve your community either as mayor or councillor, you need to balance your life and I have chosen to take a step back and run for council to still be a part of the rebuilding process if the community is willing to have me there for the next four years.”
He added that he thought about not running again, even before the flood.
“It was crossing my mind what my future would hold in town politics.”
Blokland said that he looks forward to being able to support the new mayor.
Two candidates are in the running for the job: current town councillor Jamie Kinghorn, and businessman Craig Snodgrass.
Comments