Diane Deans not seeking mayoral seat or re-election in Gloucester-Southgate
Posted Jun 23, 2022 08:19:00 PM.
Diane Deans announced on June 23 she will not be running for the role of mayor of Ottawa and will not be seeking re-election in the Gloucester-Southgate ward in this fall's municipal election.
Coun. Deans noted in a press release that she made the decision after considerable thought. Deans said there are several reasons that she has decided not to move forward with her bid for the mayor's seat.
She said that the next mayor will have to commit for two terms, which is something she is not ready to do.
“This city is at a crossroads,” she said. “Our problems are deep and solutions elusive. These past several years have been difficult for council. We have a transit system plagued with problems, declining infrastructure, ballooning debt, a lack of affordable housing, and a divided council that has exacerbated these issues. There are no quick fixes.”
Deans said she is proud of what she was able to accomplish over the course of her political career and owes a debt of gratitude to the residents of Gloucester-Southgate who elected her to represent them in eight consecutive elections.
“I am deeply grateful to have had the honour of serving this city and its citizens,” she said. “I will forever be indebted for the trust the people of Ottawa placed in
me.”
Deans told The Sam Laprade Show on Friday, June 24 that she is at peace with her decision of not running for mayor and not seeking re-election in the Gloucester-Southgate ward, and is willing to talk to anyone who is considering a run at municipal politics.
She added she wants to help whoever replaces her with the transition, and make it as smooth as possible.
“I think after 28 years, it's time for someone else to take the baton and see what they can do with it,” she said. “It's a huge learning curve when you join city hall.”
While she doesn't know what's next, she doesn't plan to keep idle for very long.
“It's a big world out there with lots of opportunities,” she added.
Listen to the full interview with Diane Deans below:
