By Lethbridge Herald on September 4, 2021.
Long-serving Lethbridge City Councillor Jeffrey Coffman will not be seeking re-election this October when local citizens head to the polls.
“When I was re-elected in 2011, I committed to a three-term limit because I believed that 10 years should be enough time to accomplish the policy agenda that inspired me to run in the first place,” said Coffman in a release to the media on Friday. “I am completing my third consecutive term and feel confident that I have achieved 90 per cent of what I set out to accomplish. Not campaigning creates the space for other voices to serve the community, hopefully building on the foundation I have helped put in place.”
Coffman served on City Council from 1995-1998, and was re-elected in the 2011 by-election. During his years on council, Coffman served on a variety of committees, including audit, police commission, Open and Effective Government (OEG), the land use bylaw review, and the Performing Arts Centre Steering Committee.
“During my time on Council, I initiated nearly 200 Official Business Resolutions (OBR) and unique amendments through Regular Meetings of Council, as well as Budget and Committee meetings. This is how you accomplish things for the community and where the real work and heavy lifting is required. Not every motion was a winner, but I was able to spark debate and always push for better decision making. I am happy with what I accomplished because I know how my presence
on Council changed City Hall and impacted the community.”
Ultimately it is the unique experience of being an elected representative that has impacted him the most.
“Being an elected official has been a responsibility that I have humbly embraced, striving to govern respectfully and responsibly, while remaining accountable. I have not been perfect in this role, but I have worked hard to strengthen City Hall and the community through a dedication to the principles of good governance. At the end of the day, I leave this position appreciative of the work accomplished by City staff, by Council, and by our residents. It has been my honour to serve the people of Lethbridge.”