Mayor Gary Sulz announced a temporary leave from mayoral duties following a rare cancer diagnosis during the Thursday, Nov. 7 Committee of the Whole special budget meeting.
In a video to the public, Sulz said he promised to be “open and transparent” to the residents of Revelstoke, prompting him to openly share the news about his health.
“In the words of one of my physicians, 2024 has been a complicated year for me.”
While the cancer is an exceptionally rare form, he stressed that it was not a terminal diagnosis and that he would be able to return to duties once recovered. Sulz was scheduled for an extensive surgery Wednesday, Nov. 12.
“I fully believe that I will come out of this well.”
In the meantime, plans are in place to cover for Sulz duties. Coun. Austin Luciow will be acting mayor for November and December. Luciow made his first public appearance as acting mayor at the Revelstoke Remembrance Day ceremony Monday, Nov. 11. Coun. Tim Staphenhurst will take on Sulz’s role in the Columbia Shuswap Regional District.
“I am so grateful for these people coming forward and looking after this sort of thing,” Sulz said. “I have every confidence that they will care for you as well as I do.”
Sulz requested that any email correspondences for him be sent to [email protected] or [email protected] where they will then be handled by the appropriate staff during his absence.
“We have incredible staff who will keep things flowing just as if I was still sitting in my chair doing my job.”
Revelstoke’s current stable government climate will also help lessen the impact of his absence, Sulz said, noting that council would continue to meet and deliberate as usual.
In a statement to Revelstoke Mountaineer, acting mayor Luciow shared he was more than willing to step into the role to help Sulz during this time. With support from staff and council members, Luciow is confident Sulz will return to things running well.
“I am certain we will continue to advance our strategic priorities in the mayor’s absence and I will take this great learning opportunity to advance my knowledge and understanding of the political process.”
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