Castlegar Mayor Kirk Duff has changed his mind about seeking reelection this fall due to health reasons. Duff had previously announced he would be running in the upcoming municipal election.
Duff made an announcement on Tuesday on his Facebook page saying that he is suffering from a lung condition called sarcoidosis.
He said the disease causes inflammation of the lung tissue, prompting an immune system reaction that results in scar tissue in the lungs. He has also contracted a rare form of pneumonia.
“I have made the very difficult decision to not seek re-election for mayor this October due to my health. I have been living with a lung disease for the past five-six years,” said Duff.
“When I decided to run in the by-election last year I had received a clean bill of health and the disease was no longer active. Unfortunately, this past spring it came back with a vengeance.
“It’s very disappointing that the result is me giving up this fantastic job that I have been the most fortunate to have been given by the voters of Castlegar. I’ve truly enjoyed being mayor,” added Duff.
“I would like to thank the residents and voters who supported me during the byelection and the many, many people who supported me, as mayor, during my term including the residents of Castlegar, members of council, and our entire city staff, I very much appreciate it!”
Duff also thanked his wife Myra in his announcement.
“Her never ending love and support has made it possible for me to do what I do.”
Duff says he will continue in the job until the new mayor and council are sworn in after the election and will continue doing the full job to the best of his ability.
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betsy.kline@castlegarnews.com
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