Kensington mayor announces he won’t re-offer
Rowan Caseley has called Kensington’s Town Hall a second home since 2009. “I’ve spent a lot of time in this building and with the staff here. I’ll miss having the discussions with them and I’ll miss working with them.” On Monday, Caseley announced he would not be running for reelection come November.
“I wanted to give councillors notice now so they have some time to think about if they wanted to run for the position.” He was elected as a town councillor in 2009, not long after he began working as chairman of the financial department. Over his tenure he also took on roles to organize the 2014 celebrations, helping the town secure ownership of the Community Gardens Complex (now Credit Union Centre) and securing upgrades for the complex.
Now he’s taking a step back. While he did say he hasn’t been feeling the best, his health wasn’t the only factor in the decision.
“I’m slowing down. I don’t have the energy anymore. And I figure it’s time. We’ve got a strategic development plan on the go and we’re trying to move the town forward. So, I think it will be good to have some fresh blood and new perspectives come into council.”
Caseley says he’ll miss the role. “I look forward to the meetings, there’s always something going on. I’ve enjoyed being here and while the job is serious, I’ve always tried to be jovial about it.”
He said the most rewarding time in the position has been seeing the downtown core grow into a business and restaurant hub.
“We’ve got the new Subway, Broadway 45, and other businesses that have strengthened the core.” He hopes the town continues to make strides and grow. “I hope the town continues to have people step forward and lead and see their community through.” Geoff Baker, the town’s chief administrative officer, has worked with Caseley since his days as a councillor.
“He’s been a damn good mayor. One of the best. He’s always been about providing the highest level of service to town residents.” Baker began working for the town in 2007. He remembers when Caseley took his spot on council. He had little experience but that never stopped him.
“Even as a councillor he always put himself forward as a leader. He’s been a part of every decision since beginning his term. He really bought into the role right away and has dedicated the past nine years of his life to it.” Baker says working with Caseley has always been enjoyable. “It’s also been challenging. In the sense that he was always challenging me, other staffers and councillors to be more efficient to make more effective decisions for the town.
“There are so many memories. We are two people who didn’t always see eyeto-eye, but we could come together and debate, and sometimes argue, about a decision, but it always came down to getting to the best outcome.” Baker said, “He’s always taken the role seriously, but he’s approached it with humour and a smile because he just wanted to be the best mayor for the town.”