The next municipal election in B.C. is in October 2018 and there’s a very good chance voters in Nanaimo will be picking a new mayor.
Nanaimo Mayor Bill McKay admits he’s mulling over his future in politics due to dysfunction at city hall, but said he hasn’t made a decision yet about whether to run again in the next election.
McKay is also suggesting the rest of his council should weigh their options too.
On Tuesday night over the phone, Bill McKay told CHEK News that he’s likely to give up his seat as Nanaimo mayor next year.
McKay added his position could change over the next 14 months before the next municipal vote in 2018.
He said he has been worn down by everyday drama, and knew politics was dirty, just not this dirty.
McKay once again spoke with CHEK News on Wednesday, saying he had not made a determination about whether he will run or not.
“I need to sit down with my family over the coming months and we’re going to have a conversation about what direction my career takes after this, whether I run for mayor or perhaps go back into private industry,” McKay said.
This comes after citizens signed a petition demanding staff get along or resign.
Last week, a video leaked showing former Coun. Wendy Pratt allegedly assaulting City Manager Tracy Samra.
Pratt resigned after the alleged assault.
McKay makes his own decision about whether to seek re-election, he says all eight city councillors should do the same.
“IF it was today or tomorrow I wouldn’t be running. I can say that with certainty,” McKay said. “I think every member of this council should really weigh whether they should run again. I’m hearing the community wanting to see a clean sweep come next October.”
Coun. Sheryl Armstrong has confirmed she will run again in the next municipal election. Coun. Jim Kipp said he will not run again. Five city councillors are undecided at this time.
Andy Neal
