Councillor resigns Larry Armstrong served Rainy River for more than 13 years

Ken Johnston

After more than 13 years on Rainy River’s town council, Larry Armstrong has called it quits.
Armstrong tendered his resignation last Tuesday mid-way through his fifth term. “Basically there was a constant differing of opinions (on council) and I didn’t feel like I was accomplishing what I would like to,” said Armstrong last Thursday. “My principles and beliefs are in conflict with other councillors.”
Armstrong said he thought about resigning for 48 hours and talked it over with his family before making the decision. “I may be blocking (the agenda of other councillors) here so we will see where they take it. If they are successful at getting something going, all the power to them.”
Mayor Glen Armstrong said that he will be no hurry to replace Armstrong on council, noting that he would like to see the size of council reduced from six to four. “I believe we have a certain length of time before we have to replace him.”
Council can choose to hold a bi-election or appoint a new councillor. In the past when a councillor has resigned council has offered the position to the runner up of the previous election. In this case it was Dean Wiersema. However, they have also held a secret ballot amongst councillors using the entire runner up list.
Larry said he has no regrets from his time in council. “Of course you always feel you could have done more.”
As for highlights he said he was very happy to be involved in helping get a new hospital in Rainy River and being involved in the town’s 90th and 100th anniversary celebrations.
While it stands out in his memory, he is hoping that he will not have to be involved in another flood.
“I will continue to work for the town in other ways,” said Armstrong who when asked if he would run for mayor in the next election said, “I think I passed that opportunity a couple of elections ago.”
Armstrong had about a year and a half left in his fifth term.