I had a big decision to make and I’ve made it.
As you likely already know, I have been considering an invitation to become a candidate in the Provincial election. I’m writing today to outline my thoughts regarding this opportunity.
Regardless of the party, I would have given the question of running in the election the same consideration. Why, because many of the changes we need, for the city to flourish, are provincial in nature. That means having representatives in Fredericton who understand what we need and are prepared to fight for it, really matters.
To those of you that have been supportive of me over the last couple of weeks during this process — thank you. Your support has meant a great deal to my family and me. These types of decisions are difficult at the best of times and for most, they can be made in the privacy of family and trusted friends. This has not been the case in my situation. While I dislike the negative approach that some people have used to voice their opinions of my thought process, I do respect that we live in a world where everyone is entitled to their opinion. I choose to stay focused on how I can best improve the lives of our constituents.
If you’ve heard anything from me since running for the office of Mayor, I hope that you understand that I entered politics with a deep commitment to best serve the residents of Saint John to the best of my ability. My priority has been and continues to be putting all citizens first.
This was my sole intention in considering this opportunity. I want to remove barriers to growth and make sure that Saint John is well positioned for future investment. I believe that I owe it to the people of this city to explore every possibility that may help us achieve this goal. If I don’t take the time to seriously consider opportunities that present themselves, no matter how controversial they may seem at first, then I don’t believe that I am doing my job.
I’m very proud of what has been accomplished in the last 22 months. We’ve done a lot of heavy lifting, we’re focused in the right direction and we’re having honest and meaningful conversations. I am confident that these foundational changes have set Saint John on the right course. I will continue to work hard to achieve growth and prosperity and to make a measured difference in citizens lives.
There is much work still to be done however, and so the question for me is: “Where can I be most effective to serve the residents of my city?”
I firmly believe the answer is to continue to represent Saint Johnners as your Mayor. I have always been proud to represent my city and I am going to continue to fight hard to ensure that Saint John gets loud, gets heard and is treated fairly.
Over the past several months I have met with all 3 political parties to impress on them Saint John’s financial situation and the structural changes that are required. So far, only one party has stepped up to the plate to work with us, the New Brunswick Liberal Government.
The binding agreement (the “New Deal”) signed with government and ratified unanimously by council, is not about a quick fix. It not only contains short term funding, but perhaps more importantly, a commitment from the Gallant government to establish a working committee with representatives from the city and the province, that will work towards finding long-term solutions to Saint John’s fiscal challenges. This committee is expected to present its findings on or before January 1, 2019.
A thriving economy benefits our city and its citizens, and the entire province of New Brunswick.
We need all our local politicians to work diligently to address Saint John’s priorities, to be focused on the right projects and to be fully accountable to the results they deliver, so we can leverage all our resources and do what is best for our city and in turn, our province.
It’s not the perception of action that matters, it’s measurable results. The petty politics has to stop. We need to create impressive wins together because it is our constituents who benefit. Issues like tax fairness, provincial grants and municipal legislation need to be discussed. Commitments need to be made and real solutions found. Saint John and it’s citizens depend on it.
I would like to thank the Liberal Party for their confidence and invitation to join them in serving the people of New Brunswick. I must remain focused on my priorities: more people, jobs and growing the taxbase for Saint Johnners. I will continue to work collaboratively with this government on the opportunities and challenges that our city faces, as I would with any other political party.
Our city is full of potential and Its citizens are very passionate. I’m asking for your help. Citizens, the business community, employees and all levels of government, to help us achieve new and lasting results.
I am calling on those who have asked me to stay and those who especially have been critical, to get on aboard with me and ask yourself; “What am I doing to move our city forward”?
In closing, I would like to once again thank everyone that has given me feedback over the last week. I’ve often said that this is the toughest job I’ve ever had and that’s absolutely true. That being said I love it. I love the quest of change, I love chasing results and doing everything possible to improve the lives of our citizens.
Lastly, I would like to thank my family for all you do to support me and for your unconditional love. I could not do this job without you.
Mayor Don
