The City of Yorkton will have a new mayor after this November’s municipal election.
Bob Maloney, who has held the position the past eight years announced Monday on the steps of City Hall he would not seek another term.
“I will not be seeking re-election ... I feel it is time I step down,” he said speaking to local press, family and City Councillors and staff.
Maloney will end a long stint on local council, first being elected as a Councillor in 2003, after being asked to run by then Mayor Phil DeVos, who Maloney said was looking for people wanting “to support growth,” beginning with the retrofit and expansion of the now Gallagher Centre.
Maloney said he was never looking to step into the Mayor’s chair.
“I was happy with being a Councillor,” he said, but added when a job change meant then Mayor James Wilson would not run again, he decided to step up.
In his brief remarks Monday Maloney reflected on his time as Mayor, citing his time on the provincial Municipalities of Saskatchewan Board and as vice-president of Cities, as well as his role with the City Mayor’s Caucus.
Maloney also spent time saying a series of thank yous, starting with his spouse.
“I want to thank my wife Dianne for all her support,” he said, following that thank thank with others for long-term Councillor Randy Goulden, and recent addition Aaron Kienle, both in attendance.
Past Mayors and Councillors were also thanked for their contributions to the city, as were former MLA Clay Serby and sitting MLA Greg Ottenbreit.
“I have nothing but respect for their contributions,” adding regardless of political stripes “... we do grow men and women passionate about the city.”
The Yorkton Chamber of Commerce, Yorkton Business Improvement District and local media were also recognized in Maloney’s remarks.
After his remarks, in a scrum with media, Maloney also reflected on what had been accomplished in his years on Council including the Gallagher Centre project which will be paid for by 2021, the civic operations building currently being built, the new fire hall, the $34 million water treatment plant and the $34 million in drainage work.
