INNISFAIL – Outspoken Innisfail town councillor Doug Bos has resigned from council.
In a news release issued on (March 11) from the Town of Innisfail, it stated Bos, who was serving his second term, presented his letter of resignation to Todd Becker, the town’s chief administrative officer, following the March 9 regular council meeting.
Bos was not immediately available for comment but the news release said he wanted to dedicate more time to his business as the reason for his decision, especially in light of recent economic developments. Bos is the co-owner of Discovery Wildlife Park.
Last week the Province contacted Mayor Jim Romane, who was on vacation in Arizona, and he said Bos’s decision to resign came after considerable thought during his own recent vacation.
“We had some discussion on it before he went on holidays. He was going to think about it while on holidays,” said Romane. “It’s tough for him with his business to work closely with the town and not be in controversy. He just felt it was better off to move on and get a grip on his own business and work with the town in the future.
“He just felt strongly that in these days you got to pay pretty close attention to business with the economy the way it is.”
Romane said council would “absolutely” miss Bos’s contributions to the political workings of the town.
“Doug always had an opinion and contributed a lot to council,” he added. “We just want to see him really successful at his business too. Time to move on and make other arrangements.”
When the Province reached other members of council, including councillors Donnie Hill, Glen Carritt, Jean Barclay and Gavin Bates, all wished Bos continued future success with his business.
“I wish him the best in growing his business to its full potential,” said Hill, who is also the town’s current deputy mayor. “I respect Doug Bos’s decision. I know the Town of Innisfail has full intention of maintaining a very respectful and mutual relationship.
“He has served his community for a term and a half and it’s been excellent and we appreciate his dedication.”
In the meantime, council will be discussing Bos’s departure at a special council meeting on March 16.
“Council needs to provide direction how to proceed with a byelection…in relation to the requirements of the MGA (Municipal Government Act) said Becker. “The MGA outlines when you are required to call a byelection and the Elections Act is how you do it.
“They (council) have a few options. I don’t want to get ahead of them,” Becker concluded.
