In order to bring closure to my political life, it seems appropriate to thank my supporters of 32 years.

It’s not possible or wise to name specific people who have played a significant role over such along period of time. However, l must thank my brother-in-law John Ferbey, who first suggested I should run for city council; Conrad Boyce, who ran my first campaign; and Lorraine Hoyt, who came up with a wonderful idea that got me elected in the first place.

Many others I worked with along the way I cannot remember, but you will know who you are and I thank you. It has been a privilege to serve the community and be able to work with so many wonderful people.

Council is often credited with the development of the community, but our role is small compared to the work our administration and employees do. Over the years I have been continually impressed with the calibre of the administration and employees in carrying out council’s wishes.

Sometimes the public says we merely rubber-stamp administrator’s directives, and very often this is true because the advice and suggestions we receive make sense. Council may have a vision, but the administration and employees make this vision a reality.

I have worked with five mayors and 11 councils and can credit them all with the positive developments that have moved the city forward. It has not always been a love-in, but for the vast majority of my time on council it has been an enjoyable experience and lots of fun and I thank my colleagues for this time in my life.

Since the election, I have had many positive comments from people thanking me for my service, and saying they voted for me. So many, in fact, I was considering asking for a recount. As for myself, this will be a time of reflection and an opportunity to clean out my basement and begin to know what real retirement is all about. So far I have enjoyed it and look forward to a new episode in my life. I would like to wish the new council well and know they will do their best to improve our quality of life.

Pundits often say public service plays havoc with family life, but for me this has not been the case. I have always been very involved in community activities as a volunteer, much of the time with my own children.

Having said that, I cannot fail to appreciate the role my wife has played in my political life and community involvement. She has always been very supportive, and in case any of you are wondering how she is handling my being home so much now, all I can do is quote what she said to a friend when asked that very question: “As long as he stays in the basement it’s alright by me.”

Dave Stockdale Former Whitehorse city councillor