Stratford Mayor David Dunphy said he’s been mulling over his political future for the past six months.
In the end, he decided his time as mayor was up, announcing Friday that he will not seek a third term in the November municipal election.
“It was a very difficult decision,’’ Dunphy told The Guardian. “I love the job; I love the people; I love everything about the job. The hard part is the people — that’s who you’ll miss, the relationships with the staff and the councillors, the media, residents (and municipal) colleagues across the province.’’
Dunphy was first elected to the Community of Bunbury council in 1990 before amalgamation, serving on council until 1995. He then served on a three-year term on Stratford council from 2004 to 2006 before running unsuccessfully as mayor in 2006.
He decided to try again for the mayor’s chair and was successful in 2010. Dunphy was re-elected by acclamation in the 2014 election.
But, two terms were enough.
“Sometimes it’s time to let fresh ideas and blood come into play. Eight years is a good period of time for anyone to be in this business.’’
Dunphy highlights a number of accomplishments over his eight years, although he stresses it was due to the work of the entire council, not just himself.
He lists purchasing land in 2012 to create the Fullerton’s Creek wellfield as one of the big highlights from his term.
“That was the first big thing that we did; purchasing the land to secure a safe source of water for years and years to come.’’
He also lists opening the community gardens, a new library in the Bunbury Mall and improving communication with town residents through things like social media, newsletters and surveys as success stories.
Of course, there were challenges over the years, such as constantly dealing with the town’s sewage lagoon.
“The lagoon was probably the largest one we had to deal with as a council,’’ Dunphy said. “I think from a community standpoint it had a high level of priority, a high visibility so I think I’m pretty confident from a resident’s standpoint that the residents are happy that we have a long-term solution.’’
Funding has been secured to have wastewater pumped over by pipe to the Charlottetown plant.
“When that’s complete and the sewer is flowing, we’re going to fill in the lagoons and (create) green space. We’re trying to develop a park along there, of course . . . based on feedback (from residents. They) want access to the shore.’’
With a provincial election either this fall or next spring, there’s bound to be speculation that Dunphy will seek the nomination in one of the two Stratford ridings. Dunphy lost to James Aylward in the 2015 provincial election.
“Well, the answer to that question is I haven’t considered it. I have certainly made no decisions in that area. At this time, I have no plans to run provincially.’’
Dunphy said he still has a few months left as mayor and there’s plenty on his plate, such as the new roundabout and emergency services building. Work on both is supposed to begin in August.
About David Dunphy
Day job: Business development manager for Eastlink
Family: Wife, Donna; children, Jonathan, 31, Jillian, 24, Abby, 17
Need to know
Top five things David Dunphy is most proud of in his years as mayor of Stratford:
1. Creating a new wellfield
2. Long-term solution for wastewater treatment
3. Creating skate park and splash pad for youth
4. Ban on cosmetic pesticides
5. Diversity and inclusion initiatives
