Mayor Jim Romane has changed his mind about running for a second term and officially announced his retirement from municipal politics at last night's regular council meeting.
“I have decided not to run now. It is time. I want to retire,” said the 67-year-old mayor, who has served a total of 19 years on town council. “I want to leave on a good note. I feel I have accomplished what I wanted to. It is time to move on.”
Romane's change of heart comes after the disappointment two months ago when he first announced he was seeking re-election, but was shocked to learn that his bid would be contested by Coun. Brian Spiller, who is being openly supported by Coun. Jason Heistad.
He said he met with Spiller last week and differences between the two were resolved.
“It is time to move on and I give my full support to Brian Spiller. He is a very thorough person and I have all the confidence in him,” said Romane. “I went over with him where I think Innisfail is going in the future. He agrees with me 100 per cent. We have to keep moving forward.”
Romane added that his decision to leave politics was also influenced by wanting to spend more “quality” time with his wife Bev.
“I was retired before and Bev was working and I was bored,” said Romane. “It wasn't a lot of fun but we got some quality years left and I want to spend them retired and enjoying them. She has agreed to retire, and I am going to retire.”
Romane said he is leaving the mayor's chair with a sense of pride of what has been accomplished under his leadership over the past three years.
He noted the town has moved forward with a new public works building, fire hall and library, and has completed the first two stages of the multi-million dollar Downtown Revitalization Project, an initiative he aggressively pursued after previous councils were reluctant to move on because of concerns the project would adversely impact downtown businesses.
“We spent a whole year planning it, lessening the impact to make it as easy as possible for those businesses. We are two-thirds of the way done now. Council has assured me that we are going to finish it next year. I am happy to hear that,” said Romane.
“I think council has done a heck of a good job over these last three years in what we – council -- have accomplished,” he added. “I can't take full credit as mayor but we've accomplished a lot. This council has done well.”
Romane said his decision to announce his retirement also gives other potential mayoralty candidates two weeks of careful and serious consideration to decide whether to join the race against Spiller. Nomination day for the municipal election is on Sept. 23.
“I encourage others who are interested in running as well,” said Romane. “I haven't heard of any others considering and that is why it is important to get this out as soon as we can.”
