City councillor Pat Hehn has made the "difficult decision" not to seek re-election in October's municipal election.
"After much discussion with my family and friends, I have made the difficult decision not to run in the next election," said Hehn, who is nearing the end of her second four-year term as a councillor for Ward 4, where she was born and raised — and still lives.
Hehn, 76, says she is proud of her and council's accomplishments over the past eight years.
"As a city councillor, I have been proud to serve on numerous boards and committees within our city and have always tried to do my best for each of those
groups representing their interests to the best of my ability at the council table," Hehn said in a statement released this afternoon.
"Although I know I will miss being part of a dynamic group of people around our council table, I truly believe it is time to step aside," she said.
In her statement, Hehn noted she has spent "most of (her) working life serving my community, as a Constituent Assistant to Paul deVillers, MP, as a bereavement counsellor, as the Executive Director for North Simcoe Victim Crisis Services and finally for the past eight years as Councillor for Ward 4.
"It is my profound hope that I have made a difference in the lives of the people I have helped and made our community a better place in which to live," she said.
She is calling on local women to put their names forward to serve the city.
"It is my hope that a number of women will put their names forward in the next election as we need to be represented at council," said Hehn. "It is a rewarding experience, and one where our voices need to be heard."
Last week, Orillia Mayor Steve Clarke announced he would not be seeking a third term.
In addition, long-time city councillor Ted Emond also announced he would be retiring from politics when this term of council ends in the fall.
