The race for mayor of North Battleford is suddenly up for grabs.
In a major surprise, Mayor Ian Hamilton announced Monday he will not be running for re-election for a third term.
The news is surprising because Hamilton had previously indicated he would be running for another term, having made those intentions known as early as the State of the City/State of the Town address earlier this spring. As recently as a week ago Hamilton had publicly reaffirmed his intention to run again.
But Hamilton has since changed his mind, citing a desire to focus on “other life priorities” for his decision.
The News-Optimist received a statement from Hamilton and that is reprinted here in full:
“Since publicly confirming my sincere intention to run for re-election last week, I have reconsidered and will not be filing nomination papers to run for Mayor of North Battleford in October 2016.
“Over the past week specifically, I have been encouraged by many residents in my re-election bid, and I thank everyone who has placed their trust and support in me. It has been an honour to serve as your mayor and as a city councillor for the past 10 years.
“I still passionately believe North Battleford is the best place to work, live and play, and I look forward to being an active member of the community. However, I will do so in a way that better allows me to spend more time on other life priorities.
“I know the mayor and council that North Battleford residents elect in October will build on the terrific work accomplished by city council and the administration over the past years, and will bring new ideas and perspective to our city’s continuing challenges.
“Thank you.”
In speaking to reporters following Monday night’s council meeting, Hamilton elaborated on the sudden reversal of his earlier public pledge to run again.
It was on the previous Thursday night, as he reviewed the nomination package in front of him that Hamilton “had one of those ‘aha’ moments,” he said.
“I had my mayor’s package in front of me,” said Hamilton. “I was just contemplating, reviewing and thinking about the commitment I’m making to running again.
“And I just had one of those moments that says ‘wow, have you really thought this all the way through? And do you still have everything that’s required to fulfill a four-year mandate?’”
That made him start asking questions and discussing with his family about “things I needed to do that I should have done months ago, and I was so focused on where I thought I was going that I neglected to do that.”
“So I came to the conclusion that the passion for the community that I hold is forever. I will always maintain that. But the passion and the energy to fulfill a four-year mandate is questionable in my mind, and I would not compromise the extent to which I would hold myself to what I do commit to it, that I just would not allow myself to not do 100 per cent for the full four years.”
The considerations included such things as his age — he is 63 now — and about his life priorities.
What is not a consideration, said Hamilton, is his health. He had cancer surgery more than a year ago but Hamilton said his current health is in good shape.
“This is not a health issue or any of that,” said Hamilton.
By Saturday, Hamilton had made the final decision to not run again, but “revisited it again on Sunday” before making the official announcement Monday. Hamilton said he met with City Manager Jim Puffalt on Monday morning and spoke at length about his decision with him before making the announcement.
Hamilton said he believed others in the community were “capable of continuing the work that had been done.” He expressed pride over his time on council — three as a councillor and the last seven as mayor.
“I’m very proud of the 10 years that I’ve put in in public service and very proud of the individuals that have served with me in prior councils and current council, and prior administrations and current administration.”
“I leave feeling good about my tenure on council.”
