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Despot announces decision not to run in November municipal election

More time for family and interests, cites Keremeos mayor in decision not to run for fourth term

Keremeos Mayor Walter Despot announced his intention not to seek re-election for a fourth term during this year’s municipal elections.

The mayor made his decision public during the mayor’s report at the Monday, August 29 council meeting.

Having recently completed a 36 round bout of radiation therapy for prostate cancer, Despot said that his health issues were not a major factor, but did play a role in his decision.

In an emotional statement, Despot spoke of several things left to be done on his personal “bucket list,” noting that as Mayor it was very difficult to be responsible to his civic duties and still have the opportunity to follow through on his wish list.

 

“It’s time to tend the garden, stay at home and hassle my wife a bit,” he joked.

“I’ve done what I had to do for the village - and I’ll still be around... if you’re looking for a cheap consultant, I’m available,” he added.

 

Reaction from fellow councillors was unanimous in their opinion that it was a “Sad day for Keremeos,” as Councillor Bauer put it.

“You’ve done a wonderful job for the village - especially health,” declared Councillor Minshull.

“I’m glad to hear you’re getting to your bucket list,” added Councillor Cowling.

Councillor Thielmann expressed his disappointment at Despot’s departure, noting that he “understood about the bucket list.”

Mayor Despot has been serving Keremeos for nine years as mayor.

 

Nominations for municipal positions opened on Friday, August 26. The last day for the village office to receive them is October 14.

What the mayor said:

“It is with personal regret that I have concluded not to seek re-election as mayor of Keremeos. I have enjoyed my nine years (mostly!) in office, and I thank the citizens of Keremeos for putting their trust in me.

I am pleased with the advancements Keremeos has made, especially in health care, living accomodations, (assisted living and low income housing) the development of Memorial Park, and a major sewer upgrade on the bench.

The Similkameen Valley Planning Society,    reactivated in early 2003, has taken up the valley challenge of clean ample water, clean air, and improving upon our country living ambience. We can no longer just think of the Village of Keremeos.

I have always strived to make Keremeos a more enjoyable, comfortable place to live, be it through pharmacy, health services, community projects or emergency services. I will, of course, continue to devote myself to projects in the South Similkameen through the Lower Similkameen Community Services and the South Okanagan / Similkameen Medical Foundation.

To all the people I have worked with these past nine years, and further back, thank you for your friendship and your devotion to our community.

After nine years now is the time to spend more time with my wife, and in my garden. I thank Barbara for her tolerance and understanding during these nine years.

I sincerely hope to see a large slate of good candidates running for council and mayor in November.

We never know who will actually be running until nominations close on October 11!”