Mayor Gregor Robertson will not seek re-election later this year.
Robertson made the announcement on social media Wednesday afternoon.
It's been an incredible honour to serve our city through such historic and challenging times. After lots of consideration with friends + family over the holidays, I’ve decided this will be last term as Mayor. My statement here: https://t.co/2EQkwMFHRm#vanpoli
— Gregor Robertson (@MayorGregor) January 10, 2018
“Today I announce one of the hardest decisions of my life,” he said in a statement on his Facebook page.
“This will be my last term as Mayor of Vancouver — I won’t be seeking re-election on October 20. I took time with my family and friends over the holidays to reflect on my future and made this bittersweet choice.”
Robertson was first elected to office 10 years ago.
“I dove into politics as an entrepreneur committed to making positive proactive change,” he said. “It’s been an incredible honour to serve our city through such historic and challenging times… Ten years is a long time in politics. An important part if leadership is recognizing when to step aside and make space for new leaders.”
Robertson gave a press conference Wedneday afternoon at city hall to discuss his decision.
He said it was difficult to suppress his competitive spirit by choosing not to run again and also made clear he wants to make the most of his last nine months in office. Asked about his legacy, he said, "Ask me in a year. At this point I feel there's a lot of things to do and deliver. It's hard to talk about legacy until I've done all I can."
He also didn't want to talk about whether there was another type of political life in his future.
"I don't have any plans to continue in politics. I'm not speculating on any political next steps... I'm not making any plans for what's next," he said, stressing again that he wants to make most of the time he still has.
When asked about any regrets he might have as his municipal politics career nears its end, Robertson said, "I immediately go to a personal answer which is not enough time with my family and friends. That's part of what I grappled with [over the Christmas holiday]. Being a politician is a challenging lifestyle."
Robertson added that his youngest daughter wasn't even in high school when he took his seat at 12th and Cambie and now she's a college grad.
In terms of his legacy as a politician, he said, "I don't have regrets" and would leave it to others to criticize the work he's done. He said he's proud of the way he and Vision Vancouver have tackled the difficult issues of the day, including the opioid crisis. "Collectively we just have to keep improving."
He fully expects to be supporting the Vision team in October's election. "There's going to be new blood and that's exciting."
Vision Councillor Andrea Reimer and NPA Councillor George Affleck have previously announced they are not running.
jkerr@vancourier.com
