CENTRE WELLINGTON - Kelly Linton will not be running for reelection as mayor in the fall municipal election.
After a speech discussing township projects and issues at an otherwise routine town hall in the CW Community Sportsplex Thursday night, the mayor concluded his talk with the surprise announcement.
“During my 2014 mayor campaign, I told citizens that eight years was enough, so that applies to me to,” Linton said in his speech.
Linton was first elected to Centre Wellington council in 2010 as a councillor. He was elected mayor in 2014 and 2018, serving as the County of Wellington warden in what has turned out to be his last term.
“It’s been a privilege to work with all of you to get positive things done for the town and make it a better place to live,” Linton said. “At the end of the day, that’s what matters. What have you done to make the community better than it was when you started?”
It wasn’t a totally sombre affair, when he put up a side-by-side picture comparing himself from 2014 to 2022 he joked about how much more grey hair he has.
Linton acknowledged how difficult local politics can be through personal and professional criticism from citizens and fellow councillors but again he used humour to tell how it made him more resilient and determined to do his job.
“I reflect on the words of the great philosopher Christina Aguilera, ‘thanks for making me a fighter,’” Linton said.
On a more serious note, he thanked Centre Wellington and County of Wellington CAOs for working with him towards making both communities better to live and work in.
“And then underneath those guys, such a great team of senior management of both the township and the county and all the staff you made me very proud to be mayor and warden for sure,” Linton said, also thanking councillors who have put the needs of the community first.
He concluded by looking towards the fall, telling the crowd the community deserves a good local council.
“I encourage you to vote for individuals who are not in it for themselves but they’re here for the community and they know how to work respectfully with each other and know how to work respectfully with staff to get good things done,” Linton said.
Linton said he will continue to work as mayor and warden until November as there is still months of work to be done.
