It wasn’t the decision most residents of Charlottetown expected or hoped to hear. Clifford Lee will not re-offer as mayor this fall, leaving a void at city hall that is daunting to fill.
The 45th mayor of Charlottetown sent out strong signals through the latter half of last year and early into 2018 that he was preparing for another run. The city’s books are balanced, its population is increasing, building permits are soaring, the housing market is hot and many businesses are doing well.
He’s leaving office as the longest serving mayor in the city’s history while realizing it’s time for somebody else to lead. Renewal is always good and a fresh face in the mayor’s chair could revitalize the capital city even more.
Mayor Lee is a savvy politician - nothing else can explain his success in civic politics – 15 years on council and another 15 as mayor. It takes an astute politician to know when it’s time to step back. So, he’s going out a winner and with a positive legacy.
He would likely have won a fifth term in November - barring some unforeseen calamity. But he felt it’s time to move on – hinting perhaps that other opportunities await. At 56, he has lots of time to tackle other challenges in provincial politics or business.
His pending departure creates new dynamics for the mayoral chair. Civic newcomer Al Douglas is the only declared candidate and he’s hoping others join the mayor’s race. It’s likely he will get his wish.
Look for former councillor Cecil Villard to jump in, as well as Deputy Mayor Mike Duffy. Philp Brown, who ran unsuccessfully against Mayor Lee in the last two elections, might figure it will be third-time lucky this fall.
It also presents an opportunity for a strong female candidate to come forward. The last woman mayor was Dorothy Corrigan in 1972 - some 46 years ago. Kathleen Casey, who served on city council from 1997 to 2003, lost a close race when Mr. Lee won his first election for mayor. She may feel the time is ripe for another run at city hall.
It was a little surprising to hear Mayor Lee say that some of his biggest challenges as mayor came from members of council. Few thought the issues were that deep or problematic.
His accomplishments were many: Developing a beneficial new funding formula with the province; major beautification initiatives; and supports for heritage, affordable housing and women’s issues.
But he leaves the fate of a proposed $80 million sports and entertainment complex very much up in the air while waterfront development remains a hodge-podge issue with little clear direction.
Mayor Lee had a few bumpy spots early in his mayoral career but grew into the job to become a confident and steady hand at the helm.
His success could be attributed to his reputation as a workingman's mayor, who connected well with the average citizen and who never forgot his roots.
We thank him for his service.
