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Kelsey Dyer
CTVNewsEdmonton. ca Senior Digital Producer
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Dan Grummett
CTV News Edmonton
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EDMONTON –
Don Iveson had always intended to limit his term as Mayor of Edmonton to eight years. But at the age of 41, it wasn’t a tough decision for the 6’4 » tall Iveson, who announced on Monday morning that he would not seek a third term as mayor in 2021.
« I’ve been seriously thinking about running again because of the pressure and disruption our community is facing, » commented Iveson during a virtual scrum with reporters, citing « family factors » and a desire for something other than his main reasons to do decision.
He said he even created a « decision tree » to help him. Ultimately, Iveson thought it was time for a change.
« I’ve had more time with my children and been at the dinner table more as a family in the past eight months than in the past eight years, » said Iveson of the invisible benefits of a pandemic that has put tremendous financial pressure on the city of Edmonton.
“I think a fresh perspective of the next mayor and a very deliberate conversation for the public about the direction in which the council and mayor should go will be refreshing for the city. ”
Iveson joined the city council in 2007 and was first elected mayor in 2013. He won a second term in 2017.
Iveson said he currently has no plans to move into any other form of public office and is focused on ending his final months on a positive note.
« I’m really looking forward to some time to think about what to do next, but haven’t made any decisions about it, » he replied.
As for succession, Iveson doesn’t throw his support behind anyone – at least not yet. But he said whoever runs the city next has to have a “good character” and be extremely “team-oriented”. ”
“The Edmontoners have to review the candidates themselves and we’ll see how the field develops. And I could say something about it later, but at this point it’s way too early to call anything. ”
Five people have expressed an interest in running for mayor, but only two have officially announced their intentions, Diana Steele and Cheryll Watson.
Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson announced on Monday that he will not stand for re-election in 2021. (File photo)
Don Iveson, Edmonton, Mayor, 2017 Edmonton Local Election
World News – CA – Iveson: Unless re-election as a « family decision » is sought, the successor must be of « good character »
Ref: https://edmonton.ctvnews.ca