A Calgary city councillor has resigned his seat on council after 10 years of service.
The announcement that Ward 6 Coun. Richard Pootmans was stepping down came during Tuesday’s council meeting.
Mayor Jyoti Gondek released a statement saying the move is due to “personal and family reasons” and is effective immediately.
Pootmans had been on council for 10 years in two different stints — from 2010 to 2017 before being elected again in 2021.
In the statement, Gondek says details on how residents in Ward 6 will be represented moving forward are being finalized.
“We are grateful to Coun. Pootmans for his commitment, his collaborative style and his service to the residents of Ward 6 and all Calgarians,” reads the statement. “His kindness and his work have left a lasting impact on our city and his presence will be greatly missed.”
The mayor is requesting the media and public respect the privacy of Pootmans and his family.