Mayor Derek Mahon has confirmed he is not running again for mayor of Battleford.
The news is not entirely unexpected, as much of the private speculation had been that Mahon would wrap up his long tenure on Battleford council this fall.
“The election of 2016 is 160 days away, it is the same day as my 55th birthday and I will not be seeking re-election as mayor,” said Mahon.
Even though Mahon is in his first term, he has been a part of Battleford council for 16 years, including 12 years as a councillor.
The news makes for an interesting 2016 municipal election in the town of Battleford and the speculation is due to start quickly on who the next mayor might be, and who might run for the job.
Mahon told reporters he would continue to “move forward” with the “next 160 days of the mandate.”
After his term is up, he intends to focus on his consulting business that works with First Nation governments, a business he’s had for 25 years. He pointed to a number of projects that will likely take him out of town. He also wants to spend more time with his family and that will involve travelling outside the community as well.
“All my kids do not live in Battleford, so we’ll have to do a little bit more travelling to see them,” said Mahon, who pledged he would “spend time with the family and on the business that pays the bills a little bit more than the mayor’s salary.”
It will be a different story for Mayor Ian Hamilton. He confirmed to reporters he is seeking re-election for mayor for a third term.
“I have good health now,” said Hamilton, who said it has been assured by his doctors he is cancer free. “I look forward to another four years of working for the City of North Battleford.”
Hamilton had famously missed last year’s State of the City/Town Address in order to go under the knife for cancer surgery at Battlefords Union Hospital, something he acknowledged in his opening remarks.
“I was unable to be here last year, and I’m sure as hell happy I’m here this year,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton also made waves during the State of the City address by raising the amalgamation issue during his remarks. He told reporters he felt he had to raise it.
“I’m asked very often about this very issue, so I think I had to confront it at some point in time,” said Hamilton.
“I didn’t know when the best time would be, but why not take the opportunity given to us to bring to the attention of the business community and the residents of our communities the opportunities that might exist should we decide to explore this opportunity, to explore this initiative.”
Mahon made no mention of amalgamation or of his decision to not run again during his state of the town speech, which mainly focused on town initiatives and also the issue of what will happen with the historic post office.
“The town has been approached by realtors representing Canada Post in regard to available land for a new facility within the community,” said Mahon. “Canada Post officials have recently responded that ‘a review process is taking longer than we originally expected.’ I wish I had more answers but that’s what I have.”
Mahon also noted that the town was in a period of transition with a number of senior staff retiring while the assistant administrator has also moved on to a new job. He introduced John Enns-Wind who is the new town chief administrative officer and who was in attendance at the address.
“Thank you to all the residents for your support over the last year,” said Mahon in his closing remarks. “We look forward to our continued growth and to a strong and vibrant Battleford.”
