He lost his re-election bid, as other Cranbrook incumbents in 2014[1] Prior to being mayor, Stetski worked 35 years with national and provincial parks and protected areas, including as the Kootenay Regional Manager for the BC Ministry of Environment.

His career began as a naturalist for Pacific Rim National Park Reserve as a summer job while attending the University of Manitoba where he earned a science degree in ecology and education.

Stetski had lived in Cranbrook since 1990 and been an active member in the community, raising three children and volunteering with the a local church and theatre, coaching hockey and baseball.

[8] As mayor, he was also appointed to the board of the Regional District of East Kootenay and the Columbia River Treaty Government's Committee.

[9] The 62 year old Stetski quickly rebounded by being acclaimed, in March 2015, the NDP nominee for the Kootenay—Columbia riding in the upcoming October 2015 federal election.

During the 42nd Canadian Parliament Stetski was the NDP critic for National Parks issues[12] and sponsored two private member bills.