A new Prince George city council will be sworn in on Dec. 5 - and for the first time in 12 years Don Bassermann won't be among those taking the oath of office.
Bassermann was first elected to council in 1990 and was returned to office five times in 1993, 1999, 2002, 2005 and 2008. In 1996 he ran, unsuccessfully, for mayor against Colin Kinsley.
Earlier this year Bassermann announced he would not run in the municipal election, which took place Nov. 19.
"Being part of local government you get a chance to meet people who will enrich your life personally - and the work you do in the community. It's certainly made me deepen my appreciation for Prince George as my home," he said. "The one thing about being a city councillor is the spectrum of things you're engaged in is very broad. I'm going to miss that."
During his time on council he was part of the committees that oversaw construction of the Civic Centre, CN Centre, Two Rivers Art Gallery and the Fishtrap Island well, which serves the Hart Highlands. During his watch on council, city council has approved construction of the Prince George Aquatic Centre, new RCMP detachment, downtown district energy system and partnered to create the UNBC Northern Sport Centre.
"Whether it's drinking water or roads or community pride, I've been delighted to be part of things that, on a day-to-day basis, are needed by ordinary people," he said. "[But] everything takes way too long. For those who think you can get in and change things overnight, I wish you well."
When he was first elected in 1990, there was a shopping list of six facilities - the Civic Centre, arena, art gallery, field house, swimming pool and performing arts centre - that were needed in the community, Bassermann said. Bassermann often filled the role of mediator on council, looking to find common ground.
"Although I didn't agree with some councillors, I always valued the work they did," he said. "Some of those people have become good friends."
Although no longer in office, Bassermann said he plans to work with the Prince George Regional Performing Arts Society to bring the sixth and final item on that list to fruition.
Finding a way to cover the cost of the centre will be a challenge which will keep him busy, he said.
Bassermann served as the chairperson of the Omineca Beetle Action Coalition, and said he will continue to work for the coalition as a consultant. Retiring from office will free up time for Bassermann to pursue some of his passions: promoting tourism, community beautification and local food security.
"My daytimer is still going to be full," he said. "[But] I don't need to go and look for a job - I can just get up and do what I want. I plan to scare more fish, pick more pails of berries and plant more seeds in my garden."
Outgoing mayor Dan Rogers served with Bassermann for four terms. Bassermann brought a wealth of experience to city council, Rogers said.
His term in office was a building phase in the community, he said.
"His solid experience has been an asset," Rogers said. "I think his experience will be missed, but the community will be better for it."
