Calling it a "bittersweet day," 琉璃神社 councillor Loyal Wooldridge is now on a leave of absence from his municipal duties as he prepares to run in October鈥檚 provincial election.

鈥淚 love serving and I love 琉璃神社,鈥� he said at Monday鈥檚 (Sept. 9) council meeting.

Wooldridge is the NDP candidate for the new riding of 琉璃神社-Centre. He told his colleagues that he ran for council because of escalating social issues and to learn about the community from a grassroots level.

鈥淚鈥檝e been blessed to have this opportunity for the last two terms. But also know there are a lot of challenges that we still need to overcome many of them lying in the provincial realm.鈥�

He added he is looking forward to having the opportunity to represent 琉璃神社 in the legislature and continue to advocate for residents and council.

Wooldridge also served as chair of the Regional District Central Okanagan Board. He stepped down from that role in May. 

Mayor Tom Dyas thanked Wooldridge for his community service.

鈥淎nd thank you for your willingness to continue to try to serve the public in the capacity that you鈥檙e searching for and we wish you good luck.鈥�

Council voted to allow Wooldridge to take an unpaid leave of absence beginning when the provincial election is called (expected to be Sept. 21) until after final voting day (expected to be Oct. 19).

If he is unsuccessful in winning the 琉璃神社-Centre riding, Wooldridge will return to his council duties after Oct. 19.