Life After Politics
- Municipal Affairs
- Apr 18
- 2 min read
While we typically focus on the current issues shaping municipal governance, today, we’re taking a step back to gain insight from those who have been in the trenches and now find themselves on the other side of public office.
In this episode, we’re speaking with three former municipal leaders who dedicated years to serving their communities and have since transitioned into private life. We’ll hear their reflections on the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned from their time in office and explore how municipal governance has evolved during their tenures.
Our guests today are:
Ralph Groening – First elected to Council in 1995 as a Councillor for the Rural Municipality of Morris in Manitoba, Ralph later served as Reeve of the RM from 2010 until his retirement from public office in 2021. With decades of experience in municipal leadership, he brings a wealth of knowledge about governance at the rural level.
Maryann Chichak – Acclaimed as a Whitecourt, Alberta, Councillor in 2010, Maryann made history in 2013 by challenging and defeating the incumbent mayor. She successfully defended her position in 2017, earning a second term before stepping away from public service in 2021. Her journey offers valuable insights into municipal leadership and navigating the demands of public office.
and our final guest is Jocelyn Curteanu – A former Whitehorse Councillor, Jocelyn was first elected in 2012 and served four consecutive terms before retiring in 2024. Her experience in northern municipal governance provides a unique perspective on the evolving role of local government in the Yukon.
In our discussion today, we’ll explore life after municipal office—what the transition from public to private life looks like, the challenges of stepping away from governance, and whether their passion for municipal affairs keeps them engaged behind the scenes. We’ll also examine how municipalities have changed over the years in their respective provinces and what’s next for each of them.
And, of course, we’ll tackle the age-old question: Is the grass really greener on the other side? Now that they’re private citizens, is it difficult to resist the pull of municipal politics? Do they still find themselves weighing in on local issues, or have they fully embraced a new chapter?
It’s going to be a fascinating conversation—So without further ado, This is Municipal Affairs.
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