Coun. Werner Dressler is resigning from Fort Macleod council for health reasons.
Dressler tendered his resignation at council’s April 25 meeting at the G.R. Davis Administration Building.
“This is not taken very lightly,” Dressler said. “I have appreciated my time here and have chosen to resign for medical reasons.”
Dressler will remain on council until June 30.
Dressler, who is in his second term on council, suffered a stroke in 2018 and now describes himself as “medically unfit” to carry out his duties.
“I have spoken with my family doctor and a specialist I am currently seeing,” Dressler said. “This is the best course of action for me both mentally and physically — for both my family and myself.”
Dressler thanked Town of Fort Macleod staff and fellow council members, as well as residents and business owners, for their support while he was on council.
“I wish you all success in the future,” Dressler added.
Mayor Brent Feyter thanked Dressler for his work as a member of council.
“We worked together well and we enjoyed our time together,” Feyter said. “We do appreciate the value you bring to council, from a lot of different aspects.”
Feyter accepted Dressler’s resignation with mixed feelings.
“We want to see you do well, health-wise, with your family,” Feyter said. “That (stroke) is not an easy thing to handle and we can respect that it has been challenging for you.”
Coun. Marco Van Huigenbos echoed the mayor’s comments.
“You’ve definitely contributed in the last 4 1/2 years,” Van Huigenbos said. “You’ve been a big part of this community before that and I think council and the town and all of its residents owe you many thanks and a debt of gratitude.”
“I wish you full recovery and all the best.”
Coun. Jim Monteith made the motion to accept Dressler’s recommendation.
“It’s really with regret that I make the motion but understanding that health is very important — if we don’t have our health what do we have?” Monteith said. “The only thing I’ll say Werner is you have a very unique perspective on many issues and we’re going to miss that.”
Coun. Kristi Edwards sympathized with the decision made by Dressler.
Edwards said it must have been a hard decision because of the way Dressler approached his role as a town councillor.
“I recognize that this was a tough decision for him and I appreciate that very much and want him to know that he will be missed,” Edwards said. “It’s been really great working with you.”
Edwards said Dressler has helped to build a framework for Fort Macleod’s future.
“I hope that your future is bright and that you are able to recover completely and spend lots of years with your family,” Edwards said.
Councillors Gord Wolstenholme and Mackenzie Hengerer added their best wishes.
“Even before running for council your name in our community is very strong,” Hengerer told Dressler. “I wish you the best in your recovery.”
Dressler thanked council for the comments and best wishes, and noted he has also resigned from the Canadian Armed Forces.
Council passed a motion to accept Dressler’s resignation as of June 30.
Administration will present council at a future meeting with information regarding a by-election.
