Maria Besso, Coldstream’s lone female politician, is letting her seat stand in the November election.
Besso, who served two terms as a Coldstream councillor, will not seek re-election.
“It wasn’t an easy decision, as I enjoyed my six years on council very much, but I feel it is now time to move on to other things,” said Besso, who attended many meetings to ensure she was up to date on regional issues and served on the Okanagan Regional Library board of directors.
With the deadline to file nominations Friday, Besso is hoping her decision might encourage others to run in the election.
“We need people with varying talents,” she said, adding that the female population also needs to be represented.
While Besso plans to spend more time on personal interests, family and obtaining her real estate licence again, she admits, she could also come back to politics.
“I’m leaving the door wide open,” she said, adding that she will be keeping a keen eye on certain issues such as the Cosens Bay Road proposal, the Official Community Plan and the Kin Race track.
