Mattawa’s mayor Dean Backer recently announced he will not seek re-election in November 2022.
Backer has a long history of service to the town, including 22 years as mayor. Overall, he has been involved with Mattawa’s municipal politics for 31 years.
Serving the community brought an “incredible sense of honour,” Backer said, and admitted the decision not to run again was formed with “mixed emotions.”
“I will not seek re-election in next year’s municipal election,” Backer clarified during the town’s October 12 council meeting.
“First and foremost, I would like to thank the amazing people of Mattawa for their support throughout the years,” he said.
“Thank you for giving me the privilege and honour of being your leader and your voice”
Mayor Backer then explained how “politics comes with many sacrifices and one of the biggest sacrifices is being away from family. And that was my big sacrifice, I can honestly tell you that.”
Despite such sacrifices, “my wife Sherry and my children have been incredibly supportive and understanding of the commitment of the position of mayor and what it brings.”
His family also support his decision to step down as mayor, he added. “They all agree it’s time to pass the torch. And I look forward to passing this torch.”
However, although he will not add his name to next fall’s ballot, “I’m not going anywhere,” he reassured residents. “I’m still here for the year, and our mandate is done in November of 2022.”
“This council, our team, will continue to work on collaborative issues and some of the key initiatives that will benefit our town going forward.”
Mayor Backer explained he wanted to provide a year’s notice of his decision to allow “time for our future mayor to sit down and have a vision” of the town’s future, “knowing that the old guy’s gone,” he joked.
David Briggs is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of BayToday, a publication of Village Media. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
