KENSINGTON, P.E.I. - Kensington Mayor Rowan Caseley has had a change of heart when it comes to running in the upcoming municipal election.
“I’ve reconsidered. I’ll be seeking another term as mayor,” he said last week.
Earlier this spring, Caseley announced that he would not be seeking re-election, saying that his changing health was a factor in the decision.
Now that he’s feeling better, he began to open up to the possibility of another term after constituents, friends and people from neighbouring areas asked about his future.
“I’ve been thinking about it for probably a month. At the time of my initial decision, my health was (an) unknown factor and I didn’t want it to be in the way of trying to do my best for the town. So, I guess my health played a bigger role in the decision than I thought. But, I’m doing better now. I describe it as a bug that didn’t belong. Now it’s onward and upward.”
Caseley was first elected to council in 2009 as a councillor. Not long after he worked as a chairman of the financial department. His tenure also took on multiple other roles.
He says he was comfortable with his decision.
“I had always said that 10 years would be it,” he said, although acknowledging that he’s only served nine on council in total.
“So, I was comfortable with the decision to re-offer. Even as I was getting better. But, as people began to ask if I had changed my mind or what the future held, I thought ‘I haven’t had 10 years as mayor yet’.”
Now he looks forward to the race and a possible second term, hoping that he’ll still have a role to play in initiatives started by the current council.
“One thing I’d like to still like to be part of is the strategic plan we’ve been developing for the town. Of course, the new council will also take it on, but it’s something we’ve worked hard on and are excited about.”
He would also like to see a new business park developed as the current park is already full.
Caseley says councillors and staff have been supportive of his new decision.
He’s says he’s proud of what the group has done over the past four years.
“There’s a real sense of accomplishment because it’s not what I’ve done as mayor but rather what council and staff have done as a team to do right by the town.”
Caseley is the first to announce his election bid of the current mayor and council.
