Dane Gibson
Northern News Services

NNSL (July 28/99) - Citing family obligations, Peggy Near announced her resignation as Yellowknife city councillor, Friday.

"It's a time in my life to re-prioritize. Things have gotten to the point where I realized I had to dedicate more time to the people who I love, and who love me," Near said.

The decision to leave her post was made after much soul-searching was done. Once decided, she said she shed a few tears.

"City council is a place where you are truly working on behalf of your community. It can be so rewarding," Near said.

"The object is to try and do the best you can for the majority. I'd like to think I did that most of the time."

Her last day as councillor will be Aug. 31. In 1989, city council adopted a policy regarding council vacancies. It states a council seat can be filled by either appointing a person who is eligible or holding a byelection.

"As the policy is now aged, city council will be reviewing and assessing the policy before determining the most appropriate way to fill the vacancy," a City of Yellowknife press release stated.