Ward 6 Coun. Richard Pootmans is stepping down as his role as city councillor effective immediately, council learned during its meeting late Tuesday.
The announcement was made by the City of Calgary’s chief administrative officer, David Duckworth, after a lengthy closed-door session with council labelled as a ‘personnel matter’ on the agenda.
“Today, I received written notice from Coun. Pootmans that he is stepping down as Ward 6 councillor for personal and family reasons,” Duckworth said. “Under the Municipal Government Act, this notice is effective immediately.”
Duckworth thanked Pootmans for his “dedication and service to his ward” on behalf of city administration.”
Pootmans was notably absent from council chambers during Tuesday’s meeting.
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In a statement released moments later, Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek said she wanted to assure Ward 6 residents that they “will continue to be well-represented during this period of transition.”
“Details of how we will ensure uninterrupted representation are currently being finalized and will be shared with residents soon,” the statement said.
Pootmans was elected to represent Ward 6 in the 2021 municipal election, however, he served in the role for two terms between 2010 and 2017.
Prior to entering politics, Pootmans worked for 28 years in the private sector as well as six years with Calgary Economic Development.
Several councillors appeared visibly emotional during the announcement Tuesday.
“He is a friend, a colleague, and whilst I don’t know the particulars of the situation, I’d like to offer my support to him in any way that I can and I’m sure all of council feels the same way,” Ward 10 Coun. Andre Chabot said.
“It was an honour and a pleasure to work alongside him.”
“It is with great sadness and a lot of disappointment to know I’m not going to be working with my buddy anymore,” Ward 14 Coun. Peter Demong said.
Gondek later told reporters there would not be a byelection to fill Pootmans’ vacancy on council, as there is currently less than a year until the next municipal election.
She noted councillors will be asked to take on additional responsibilities to help with matters in Ward 6, similar to when former Ward 10 councillor Ray Jones stepped down with a year left in his term back in 2020.
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