My Turn
When I first became mayor I made two simple promises, first that I would live my values and principles and secondly that I would not make promises I couldn’t keep. I’ve shared openly and honestly with you over the last 4 years.
I’m very proud of the work we’ve done and the foundation that’s been laid for a bright future for our community. Many of the conversations have been very difficult, some of those conversations had not been had in many years and were not well received by those who love the status quo. I’m proud of our many accomplishments and that the table is now set for so much more!
We’ve reframed the conversation on growth; we made some necessary changes to how we measure success, we’ve developed financial policies and a first-ever long-term financial plan, and we’ve been honest about the state of our finances. In addition, we’ve highlighted the necessary changes in our relationship with the provincial government regarding key reforms necessary for a bright future.
Being your mayor is the most meaningful work I’ve ever done. It’s the most difficult work I’ve ever done and navigating the slow pace of change in politics has been agonizing at times. It’s my deep love affair with our city and my drive to do meaningful work and make a difference that has shaped my every day over the last 4 years.
Being mayor has been both magical and ferocious at the same time. I’ve not always been proud of how I said what I said, but my intentions were always driven by a vision for a brighter and more equitable region.
I’m a mayor but I’m also a dad, a husband, a son, a sibling, a friend and sometimes these get lost in my role as mayor.
Since making a public declaration on February 8th, that I would seek another term as your mayor, something has not been right for me. What I know is that I’m deeply connected to my values, that I’m very passionate, that I don’t do incremental change well, and that the role has taken a toll on my family and on me personally.
My approach to being your mayor is intense and it requires a significant commitment. This has caused me to reexamine my decision.
It is in these moments in our lives that, despite fear, disappointment, anger by some, difficulty letting go, pressure, that we must muster the courage to make the best decision we can, for our own personal health and wellbeing. I have done everything I can to suppress these thoughts and to muster the strength to keep going.
With deepest apologies to the people I have been proud to serve, my name will not be on the ballot on May 11, 2020. This decision was not made as a result of one event, meeting, or social media exchange. It is the result of a collection of experiences in a very challenging job.
Our city and region is full of potential. On May 11th, voters in the city and region will make very important decisions. Will you choose focus, leadership, positivity and the toughness to get the job done, and are you prepared to play an active role in the positive changes required? Our future shouldn’t be handcuffed by the restraints of the past.
The barriers holding us from our full potential have been communicated, the numbers have been shared, and the path forward has been defined. I’m hopeful that the next group of passionate and focused leaders will pick up the baton and run with it. This will not be easy, however, leadership rarely is.
I would like to thank all of you who have supported me through this amazing adventure. My family, my colleagues on council, our wonderful and dedicated senior team at city hall, and the citizens of Saint John for your support and encouragement.
While I’m not sure what my future holds, I’m excited by the next adventure.
Something happened over the last four years; I fell more madly in love with our great city than I ever felt possible. While my involvement will be different, I will not stop being an enthusiastic champion for our great city and it’s citizens.
Don
