A long-time Espanola councilor is stepping down a year before his term is up.
Espanola councilor Stewart Miekleham didn’t say much throughout this week’s regular meeting of council until it came to councillor comments.
Every councilor has the opportunity to share priorities, concerns and topics of interest before the meeting is adjourned.
Miekleham took that opportunity to personally thank Espanola Mayor Ron Piche for being a great listener and methodical in making his decisions, the staff for the work they have done in providing information and working for council, and a special thank you to town CAO, Cynthia Townsend, for her efficiency and strength in carrying the burden of running the municipality.
He then announced that as of the end of the meeting, he was tendering his resignation.
In a followup interview, Espanola Mayor Ron Piche says Miekleham decided to leave for personal reasons.
Council will now have to decide how to fill the vacancy, either by appointment or hold a by-election.
That decision is expected to be made by the next regular meeting in early October.