Another member of City Council has come forward with her plans heading into the next civic election – but is not seeking another term in civic politics.
Ward 2 councillor Kim Krushell announced Tuesday that while she maintained a passion for municipal politics, she needed to step away from it.
“It is time for me to take a break, I will not be running for mayor, nor will I be running as a city councillor for ward 2,” Krushell said, in a speech outside of City Hall.
“The reason is family, my son has turned 13 and I want to spend more time with him before he graduates from high school, and I’d like to spend more time with my husband Jay.”
Krushell went on to say her family had dealt with news in the last few months that changed her perspective – her mother-in-law was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and her father-in-law has battled skin cancer.
There was some speculation that Krushell would be one of the current city councillors entered into the race for mayor – now that sitting Mayor Stephen Mandel has decided to not seek reelection.
Currently, there are only two declared mayoral candidates: Councillor Kerry Diotte, and Curtis Penner.
As for the other members of council, a number of them have declared their intentions to seek reelection in their respective wards: Amarjeet Sohi in Ward 12, Ben Henderson in Ward 8, and most recently, Dave Loken in Ward 3.
Councillor Jane Batty joined Mandel in making her current term in office, her last in civic politics.
In addition, a former councillor is preparing to announce his intentions for the next election.
Former councillor Mike Nickel said he’ll make a formal announcement on his plans Wednesday morning, although it’s not clear what position he’s planning to run for.
Nickel spent one term on City Council for Ward 5, he ran again in 2007, but was defeated by Councillor Don Iveson.
The municipal election is October 21.
