Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills MLA Richard Marz has decided to retire from public life after more than 30 years in both provincial and municipal politics.
“I have decided to retire from politics, and, therefore, will not be seeking re-election in the next provincial election, which may be in the spring of 2012. I will continue as your MLA until that time,” he said in a statement.
“The reason for announcing now is to provide ample time for anyone who wishes to seek the nomination, to use the summer events to get out and meet the people of Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills and for the people to become familiar with all the candidates prior to a nomination that will be held sometime this autumn,” he said.
Marz went on to credit the board of directors of the constituency association, members of his various campaign teams and the constituents of the riding for their support.
“Because of you, our organization is stronger in all aspects than it has ever been,” he said.
Dave Hogarth, president of the Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills constituency association, said Marz has been an asset to the entire area.
“He's done a lot of great things since he got into office when you look at all the infrastructure, between the schools and buildings and everything else that's been built in his term. We're certainly going to miss him. He's been a good ambassador for this part of the province and hopefully we'll have somebody just as good to replace him,” he said.
Hogarth said he wasn't sure on the timing of any race to replace Marz. He said a lot of those details would be determined, in part, by who steps forward. Hogarth said the race to replace Premier Ed Stelmach later this year would also be a factor in that process.
Marz served on numerous provincial committees during his tenure, including the Agendas and Priorities Committee, Cabinet Policy Committee on the Economy and the Standing Committee on Finance and Intergovernmental Relations, among a host of others.
Marz was first elected to the legislature in 1997 and served four terms. Prior to that, he served 16 years in municipal politics, elected in 1980 as a councillor for Kneehill County. During his time on county council, Marz also served as deputy reeve and reeve.
Marz is a former member of the Calgary police, joining the force in 1969.