Crossfield’s longest-serving local politician is stepping down from the position of mayor, confirming on Sept. 16 that she is not running for re-election in the Oct. 18 municipal vote.
“I’ve been an elected official for 26 years – eight terms – [and] It’s time to focus on other things,” said Mayor Jo Tennant.
Tennant has served as Crossfield’s mayor across four terms, as well four terms as a Town councillor. Outside of her role as an elected official, she also worked for many years at the town’s local CIBC branch.
Tennant was first elected to Crossfield Town council in 1986, and went on to serve on council for five terms. After a six-year hiatus – during which she successfully battled a cancer diagnosis – she was re-elected in 2010, and would go on to serve another 11 years.
She said what she enjoyed most about being an elected official was feeling like she was making a difference in the community, and focusing on making things better for the citizens of Crossfield.
Adversely, she said the toughest part of being on council was when a consensus couldn’t be reached, or when residents were unhappy about a particular decision that council made.
“Oftentimes, despite having to make a majority decision, there were obviously things that weren’t popular,” she said. “You don’t go into it with the expectation of pleasing everyone, but sometimes, you wish you could please more.”
She added she has watched the community grow “substantially” throughout her time in local politics.
“I haven’t gone back and checked the population statistics, but there have been quite a few areas developed into residential areas and homes, so it’s grown significantly,” she said.
While she is ready to call it a day on her political career, Tennant said she still intends to continue volunteering in the community – something she said she has done for 66 years, outside of her roles on council.
“I’m sure my volunteering will continue,” she said. “There are still some boards and committees I’m involved in, so I’m sure that will be part of my focus. Some of it will be focusing on my family and doing some gardening.”
As far as advice for her successor, Tennant said she would tell Crossfield’s incoming mayor and council to remain focused on what’s best for the community, and to work together to achieve that.
“Always recognize [that] no matter what you hope to achieve, it’s a majority of council that is making things proceed or not,” she said.
The municipal election will be held Oct. 18. This year, Crossfieldians will be electing six councillors and a mayor.
