After more than 20 years as a journalist I am endeavouring on a new career.
I know I have pulled a few pranks on you in this space, but I want to assure you this is no April Fool’s joke.
On Monday I announced my intention to run for the Progressive Conservative nomination for the Highwood riding.
Yes, I am now looking at a potential career in politics, but there are some substantial hurdles which must be cleared first.
The first decision was to leave my post at the Wheel.
I am not going to use this space as an opportunity to campaign, so as difficult as this is to say this will be my last column for sometime.
Although we are still in the nomination process I do not believe it is prudent I remain the Editor of the local newspaper.
As a result, effective immediately, I am stepping down as Editor of the Western Wheel.
I must admit it was difficult to even type that sentence.
The Western Wheel has been my life for the past 15 years — I am celebrating my 15th anniversary at the Wheel this week — and to say good-bye is unnerving to say the least.
As of this week I will no longer be writing my column or the editorial. Nor will I be assigning stories or having any input on where stories appear in the paper.
For now I will be focusing solely on my administrative duties as Associate Publisher and will have no say on the editorial side whatsoever.
I feel this is the best decision considering the circumstances. I want to ensure the nomination process is as fair as possible and there are no opportunities for someone to say I have an unfair advantage or conflict of interest due to my position at the newspaper.
Darlene Casten will be the interim Editor going forward.
The nomination vote is Jan. 28 and should I lose the nomination I will return to the Editor’s desk and back to work as usual.
However, should I win the nomination I will turn my attention to the provincial election.
This has been a difficult decision, but I am also excited about the experience ahead.
I love my job at the Western Wheel: I love telling your stories; I love covering your events; I love the fact you welcome me into your home each week; and I love being such an integral part of the Foothills community.
However, an opportunity to run for public office was one I could not let pass. I feel this is a chance to bring fresh, vibrant ideas to the political process. In addition, the support I have had from friends and family was inspiring and convinced me this is something I had to do.
So, this will be my last column for a while, but I still want to hear your stories, only this time in a different capacity. Until next time, I want to say to each and every one of you, thank-you.
Especially Paul Rockley who gave a young man a chance and has been an incredible friend and mentor.
