CLYDE — Village of Clyde Coun. Art Purdy won’t seek reelection this year, citing his age.
“It’s not because I am not interested in doing this anymore,” Purdy told councillors at the village’s Feb. 8 meeting.
He is the first village councillor to confirm his plans for Oct. 18, when municipal elections are scheduled. Mayor Christa Clausing told the News earlier this year that she hasn’t made up her mind yet. Other councillors have not spoken publicly about their plans.
Purdy was elected in December 2018 byelection with 54 votes to his opponent, Chris Terry’s 16, after the passing of Coun. Allan Van Eaton.
“We’ll be sad to see you go,” Clausing told Purdy.
When he won, Purdy said he wanted to see the village grow, and during his stint on council, the village has taken steps toward economic development and has set a goal to increase the population to 750 residents.
Before his time as a councillor, Purdy served as a volunteer firefighter for 36 years, and worked in school maintenance. He’s also involved with the Westlock Tractor Museum and has donated several items to their collection.
