Veteran Town of Osoyoos councillor Michael Ryan announced Tuesday he will be leaving municipal politics and won’t be seeking re-election in November. Ryan, shown beside fellow councillor Mike Plante, has been a member of Osoyoos council for the past six years. (Keith Lacey photo)
Calling the past six years as a member of Town of Osoyoos council some of the most memorable and rewarding of his life, Michael Ryan announced Tuesday that he will not be seeking re-election in the upcoming municipal election in November.
Speaking at the end of Tuesday’s regular meeting of council, Ryan said he thought long and hard before making the decision to step away from public office.
“I have to say that my six years on council have been one of the most enjoyable and satisfying periods of my life,” said Ryan. “Every meeting brought issues that were both challenging and thought provoking.
“I am proud of the many accomplishments of the two councils of which I was a member. I, and my fellow council members, were acutely aware of the awesome responsibilities we had, and, with it, the opportunity for improving our community and the quality of life of our fellow residents.”
With the November 15 municipal election less than three months away, Ryan said he felt it was important to make this announcement following the Labour Day long weekend “as Labour Day marks a transition from summer fun to serious matters.”
Working with Mayor Stu Wells and the other three members of the current council has been an enriching and rewarding experience professionally and personally, said Ryan.
“When we got it wrong, as we sometimes did, we tried to make it right,” he said. “That happened often with the help of a task force or a committee composed of volunteer members of the community.
“As councilors, we tried to have an inclusive operating style. I am confident that our commitment to open communication, extensive involvement of our residents in civic matters and a welcoming and responsive attitude to residents’ concerns and suggestions was appreciated by the community and will continue and expand in the future.”
Deciding to step down was most difficult because he loved being part of a team that helped make key decisions to move this community forward, said Ryan.
“I would love to have been part of this future,” he said. “While I have seen much accomplished in the past six year, there are still many challenges and opportunities – some known and some unknown – that lie ahead.
“Friends, supporters and the media have asked me whether I will run for another term on council. I have given much thought to this over the past 12 months. In the past year, I have experienced some major events in my personal life, including a health issue, a family matter and, best of all, the birth of my first grandchild.”
His family responsibilities as well as his desire for more family time and for personal interests, combined with the change to a four-year term for municipal councilors in British Columbia, all contributed to his decision not to seek another term in office, said Ryan.
“I am deeply grateful for those who supported me in so many different ways as a candidate in three elections,” he said. “I am thankful, as well, for the feedback and ideas that I have received for improving our community from many of you.”
Ryan gave special thanks to his loving wife Vera for “her unfailing support. Without her, I could not have spent six years in elected office. I will continue to be interested and involved in volunteer and civic affairs, although at a less intense level.”
Ryan said he wanted to encourage Osoyoos and area citizens who share the values and attitudes that guided the current council to consider standing for election to council.
“Not everyone feels the call to be a candidate, but everyone should stay informed on civic issues and actively participate in our democratic process,” he said. “Thank you for the confidence and support you have shown by electing me. It has been an honour and a privilege to serve the community as a member of council, for which I am truly grateful.”
Coun. C. J. Rhodes said Ryan has been a wonderful councillor and contributing member of this community.
“This is a sad moment for me,” said Rhodes. “I’m speechless and I really don’t know what to say. But you are going to be missed. I have so much respect for you and all that you have done for this community. That respect has never diminished from day one.”
Wells said Ryan has done a remarkable job on council and will be missed by all residents of Osoyoos.
KEITH LACEY
Osoyoos Times
