BANFF – Stavros Karlos has bowed out of the mayoral race in the upcoming Banff municipal election for health reasons.
Karlos suffered a major concussion while mountain biking in British Columbia in July, leading to the decision to withdraw his name from the mayoral candidacy.
“My recovery is progressing, but not fast enough to run a mayoral campaign at this time,” he said.
“To protect my health, I am regretfully, withdrawing from the mayoral race.”
Karlos, who filed his nomination papers for the Oct. 18 election in June, announced his withdrawal on Tuesday (Sept. 7).
He said he was incredibly grateful for all the support he has received from his community, friends, and especially family.
Karlos, who was a town councillor for a decade before stepping aside from local politics in 2017, said this is a very important time for Banff.
“I remain passionate about building the best community possible – and I will continue to find ways to make a positive impact,” he said.
“I congratulate those who have courageously put their names forward and encourage everyone to get out and vote.”
Karlos’ departure from the mayoral race leaves current councillor, Brian Standish, as the only other mayoral hopeful to have filed nomination papers so far. Candidates have until Sept. 20 to file.
Standish said he was shocked to hear of Karlos’ withdrawal and wished him a speedy recovery.
“To pull out for medical reasons, it’s too bad. I feel gutted,” he said.
“I was really looking forward to it. Stav and I would have had a good debate.”
Standish said he suspects Mayor Corrie DiManno may run for the top job.
“It will be interesting,” he said.
DiManno, who was elected by her council colleagues as mayor in early August when Karen Sorensen stepped down because she was appointed to the Canadian Senate, has not made a decision either way on whether to run for mayor or a council position.
“I Intend to file my nomination papers soon,” said DiManno, who has previously said she would not run against Karlos but has been seriously thinking of the mayor’s position for quite some time.
DiManno said she understands Karlos’ decision to take measures to ensure he has a full recovery.
“I have a lot of respect for him making his decision because I know he didn’t make it lightly,” she said.
Council candidates who have filed nomination papers as of the Outlook's press time include Allan Buckingham, Jessia Arsenio, Hugh Pettigrew, Mark Walker, Shawn Rapley, Dana Humbert and Les Young.
None of the incumbents have filed papers, though Councillor Peter Poole has confirmed he won’t be seeking re-election.
Karlos, one of Banff’s most outspoken and passionate former town councillors, stepped aside in 2017 when the pressures of public life began to build up in his last term, including threats against himself as well as his family and businesses.
The struggle to find a better way to deal with ongoing personal attacks on social media also took a toll on his mental health.
