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Second-term Sundre Mayor Roy Cummings has temporarily stepped down from his position due to an unspecified medical condition, officials said Thursday.

Cummings has taken an official indefinite leave of absence effective March 4, said Town of Sundre CAO Nita Bartholow.

He last appeared in council during the regularly scheduled February 22 council meeting.

Cummings was not immediately available for comment. His wife declined to give specifics of her husband’s condition, but did say he is under medical care and resting at home.

Annette Clews, who has been deputy mayor for the past two terms, has now stepped into Cummings’ position.

"It means more work for me but I am prepared for it," said Clews. "It is the same as when he is on holidays, I assume all of his duties. I’m still called the deputy mayor."

The mayor chairs council and governance meetings, and is the principal spokesperson for the municipality.

No date for Cummings’ return to the mayor’s office has been set, said Bartholow.

Asked if Cummings’ temporarily stepping down will impact the operations of the town, Bartholow said no.

It is the first time a Sundre mayor has taken a leave of absence in at least 18 years, she said.

Cummings served several years as a town councillor before first being elected mayor in November 2004. He was re-elected by acclamation in the last municipal election.

Cummings recently told the Round Up he plans to seek re-election in October.