After two terms of serving as Battleford mayor, Chris Odishaw has announced that he will not seek re-election in the 2012 municipal election.
Odishaw says he made the decision for a number of reasons, including his health, but also concerns about family life. Odishaw had health problems last year that required him to travel to the Mayo Clinic and has two young daughters.
"I've invested and given up my time for six years. I'm pretty proud of my time as the mayor of Battleford."
For Odishaw, who lives and owns a business in Battleford, serving as mayor was just another way to give back to his community. He encourages anyone who wants to give back to their community to run for council in the upcoming election.
Looking back on his term, Odishaw expressed great pride in his two terms. He noted the town is in a zero debt situation despite having one of the lowest mill rates in the province, and spoke proudly of the new subdivisions added under his administration, the opera house renovations and the repairs to St. Vital Church.
When asked to describe the action undertaken by his administration he is most proud of, Odishaw said "that we haven't had huge tax increases. "
Despite his reasons for leaving, Odishaw did not rule out a return to some form of public service in the future.
"Anything can happen I'm not going anywhere, and I'm sure I'm still going to be involved in my community."
