Chestermere mayor won’t seek re-election

After a decade in office, Chestermere’s mayor announced Thursday that she won’t be standing for re-election in the fall.

“I had always intended for this to be my last term in office and I’m thankful for all the fantastic people I’ve had the privilege to work with over the years,” Patricia Matthews said Thursday.

Matthews was elected mayor in 2007 and led the town’s council during a period of rapid growth for the community east of Calgary that officially became a city on Jan. 1, 2015.

“I’m proud of all of the accomplishments I’ve achieved as mayor over the last decade but I’m most proud of the wonderful community that Chestermere has become,” Matthews said.

Matthew’s announcement comes not long after the province declined to pursue an investigation into Chestermere city council, requested in a petition signed by almost 5,500 residents over a lack of transparency.

Submitted to the minister of municipal affairs in 2016, the petition accused Chestermere’s council of failing to answer questions over soaring utility bills and taxes.

Chestermere hired a consultant to review the utilities mandate and rate regulatory process and Matthews said the city is responding to the concerns of residents.

In February, the province said it was satisfied that council will improve the utility rate-setting process.

Matthews has so far offered few hints on what’s next once her term is up.

“The future holds some exciting opportunities already for me and I’m definitely open to more as October draws closer.”