After a final discussion with family and friends, Denis Walsh has decided he will not run for mayor in the Nov. 15 election.
Walsh acknowledged he’s had plenty of encouragement to return to municipal politics but said that, after the weekend gathering — also a celebration of his 60th birthday — “it became crystal clear that seeking the mayor’s seat this election will not work for me and my family.”
Walsh, who was a councillor from 2008 to 2011, said the reason he left council remains true today — he wants to continue devoting his time to his businesses and his family.
That doesn’t mean Walsh is stepping back from community involvement.
His statement to KTW also said he sees many ways to improve the city, including a need for “a more open and consultative process and a stronger council.
“I find it unacceptable that our current city council has been so mute on the Ajax mine to date, which to me is the key issue in this campaign and definitely made my decision so difficult,” Walsh wrote.
“We have all heard the excuses to be silent but my hope is that whoever gets on the new council will have a stronger voice and ask hard questions.
“The new council must demand a greater voice in the process than the current council has demonstrated. When you play their game and wait for the studies, its game over.”
Walsh’s decision leaves two people nominated for mayor, incumbent Peter Milobar and rookie politician Ben James. The nomination period closes on Friday, Oct. 10.
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