This morning, Swift Current Mayor Jerrod Schafer held a press conference at city hall, revealing that he will not be seeking re-election for mayor or any seat in the municipal election this October.

"There are definitely days when I look forward to personal time and less responsibility but I can not stress how hard it is to walk away from something that I have worked so hard for for the past thirteen years with people that I have so much respect for," he said.

After four terms on council, he says one of his proudest accomplishments was the recent introduction of the Safe Places program, which ensures proper screening and training for adults who work and volunteer with children.

"It took us from the national perspective from being a community to where Graham James committed those horrific acts to now I think we're seen on the national level," he said. "One of the things that I've grown to appreciate over my term as mayor is my participation at Remembrance Day and getting to know the vets, and seeing the impact that that day has on them and the community."

Mayor Schafer added that he would have liked to have made stronger gains in the city's relationship with the RM of Swift Current. For the rest of his term, Schafer says he's working on economic development options to ensure that the city has a diversified economy.

He says he intends to stay in Swift Current to raise his family and grow his business as an investment adviser.

 

To hear Mayor Schafer's speech at council chambers, click HERE.