Citing health concerns, Bill Lee has stepped down as the reeve of the County of Barrhead.
Following a six-year run as reeve, Lee said he needs a break from the responsibilities that come with the reeve’s title.
“Due to my own health concerns, I am stepping back from the front line,” Lee told council at their organizational meeting Oct. 18. “The stress of forced amalgamation talks and the recently forced recreation talks with the mayor and town council have taken their toll on me and for the sake of my well-being, I need to remove myself from the position of reeve.”
“I look forward to my final year as a councillor in serving the people of the County of Barrhead and I will always cherish the time I have had with the people that live in the county, as well as my fellow councillors, the administration, staff, public works and media personnel.”
Doug Drozd, who previously served as deputy reeve and is now reeve, thanked Lee for his time and service with the county.
“These past six years have no doubt been the most eventful the county has had for a long time and your steady hand and leadership have gotten us through it,” Drozd said.
“I know we aren’t done yet, but we are heading in a good direction and things will turn out right,” he added.
Lee, who will now be deputy reeve, said the change in personnel would give newly elected reeve a year of experience with a seasoned council before the upcoming municipal election in 2017.
“I still enjoy the excitement of being on the front line, I just can’t take all of the arrows anymore,” Lee said.
