More than a decade of public service is a milestone which Rocky View County (RVC) councillor Paul McLean says he is honoured to have been afforded, but he has decided not to seek re-election for a fifth term.
“I am humbled by the support and respect I have received by the residents of Division 9 and I am very proud to be a resident of my division and of RVC,” he said in his announcement to council on Sept. 10.
“However, I believe it is time to step aside and allow another resident to represent Division 9.”
McLean, 47, entered local politics in a by-election in 2002 coming from a consulting, business and IT background.
He currently serves as deputy reeve.
“RVC has grown by $9 billion dollars in assessed growth (revenue since 2003), which is threefold in the last 10 years.
“It’s expanded its presence in the region, and received Provincial and national respect and admiration. Through the hard work of our staff and council, we have achieved many of the goals established by the current and past councillors,” he said.
“Strengthening RVC’s financial position over the last decade and diversifying what our municipality has to offer in the region is a fundamental achievement” McLean said he’s proud to have been apart of.
“The County has made a fundamental shift from being dependant on the whims of surrounding municipalities like Calgary. Too much attention has been given to the debt.
“The debt that occurred has allowed us to quadruple our position in the region,” he said.
“We are financially stronger and able to weather the increase of inflation and costs of service delivery for fire and transportation.
“We also offer so many diverse opportunities here from agricultural ranches, people who want to live in small communities or on large acreages. We have significant opportunities for business like the CN Logistics Park and the commercial businesses in Balzac,” said McLean.
“It’s a level of diversity that would be enviable on any portfolio. I think the health of RV is on the right track.”
McLean said first and foremost, he is thankful for his family’s support, as well as the staff at the County and the many residents he has encountered through his time on council.
“I have given lots of consideration to this decision (not to seek re-election). But I had the feeling to step aside and allow others with their ideas and abilities they have to offer to come forward.”
Life after RVC politics has presented many opportunities, said McLean, but he is still weighing the decision about the next chapter with his family. The father of two lives with his family north of Cochrane Lake.
“I’ve enjoyed this position immensely and still look forward to playing an important role in public service.”
