ATHABASCA – Mike Arychuk is no longer an Athabasca town councillor after submitting his resignation from council effective Sept. 1, citing conflicts with a new job that takes him out to British Columbia.
There is an unspoken understanding that being in politics is typically reserved for those with the time to devote to their community; retirees or experienced industry leaders who can set their own hours, but every once in a while, someone steps into the public forum and leaves an indelible mark on the community.
For Athabasca, that was Arychuk according to his colleagues on council.
“All of us on council are sorry that Mike, due to his job, had to resign from council. He proved to be a man of exceptional energy, bursting with ideas and a willingness to tackle the most difficult problems. His energy alone will be missed,” mayor Colleen Powell said.
Powell said she appreciated Arychuk’s quick mind and fresh outlook on problems that came up for the town.
“He came into our world without any outside experience, but learned quickly and made suggestions that were original and made me look at problems in a new light. I'm hoping that he will, in the future, come back to local politics. We need more people like him,” said Powell. “I want to thank him for his service and wish him the best in the future.”
Arychuk has been a resident of Athabasca since 2002 and prior to being elected in 2017, the 40-year-old said his experience as a management consultant prepared him to serve on council and that he wanted to give back to the community.
“I believe I have the right business, technical and interpersonal skills to help Athabasca prosper,” he told the Athabasca Advocate Oct. 3, 2017.
Coun. Dave Pacholok said he admired Arychuk for his forward-looking ideas and business acumen.
“He was the youngest one on council and he had so many progressive ideas. I was on a few committees with him. He knew things from a young perspective and from a business perspective that I didn't think about, and I valued his knowledge,” Pacholok said. “And he'll be missed, no question. It's disappointing, but it's a fact of life; he got a new job and it's far away and that's the way it goes.”
Arychuk had a way of listening that impressed Coun. Ida Edwards as well, and she said she appreciated his ability to hear something and paraphrase it in a way that made sense.
“He was a passionate councillor; he brought a business and industry input to the table that was invaluable. He was a great fellow councillor and had a way of listening and paraphrasing so that things made sense,” Edwards said. “Our community is richer because of (him). He’s a good guy, top notch, and I’m going to miss him.”
For Coun. Rob Balay it is a little closer to home as Arychuk lives next door and Balay's grandchildren play with the Arychuk children.
"It was a real pleasure working with Mike on council. He brought a perspective of a demographic of the community to council that none of the other councillors could. On a personal note, I really enjoyed Mike's sense of humour," Balay said. "I, of course, wish him and his family the best."
Coun. Tannia Cherniwchan also had glowing remarks about her former colleague saying he was an asset and professional.
"Councillor Arychuk brought diplomacy, professionalism, and commitment to the Council table. He presented many well-researched, practical ideas which we've adopted. Mike was an asset who will be greatly missed. He possesses a common-sense approach which is so uncommon these days," Cherniwchan said,
Because there are 13 months until the next municipal election there is no requirement to hold a byelection which would be mandatory if more than 18 months were left in the term.
Current councillors have agreed to fill Arychuk’s vacancies on any committees he was involved with.
Arychuk himself was not available to provide a comment to the Athabasca Advocate.
Heather Stocking, TownandCountryToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @HLSox
