Hard decision

County Mayor Peter Mertens

Mayor Peter Mertens won’t seek another term

Mayor Peter Mertens’ tenure at Shire Hall will come to an end this fall. The former councillor and mayor since 2010, has decided he will not run in the municipal election to be held later this year. His decision is expected to spark a lively and competitive race to replace him.

Mertens said he reached the conclusion not to seek another term recently, while on vacation.

“It was harder than I thought it would be,” said Mayor Mertens on the decision to step away. “But I am turning 70 this year, and expecting my second granddaughter this spring. Four years is too long of a commitment. And I have no intention of starting something without seeing it through to its conclusion.”

Mertens points to a long list of achievements and improvements in local government in his eight years at Shire Hall. He says the organization is better managed, better trained and better motivated to serve customers, investors and ratepayers well. He says a year-long organizational restructuring fundamentally realigned the roles of staff from the-waythings- always-had-been-done mentality to one that more directly and efficiently addressed the real needs of this community, its services and people.

Some of the achievements of which he is most proud may not be visible to all residents says Mertens, but the effects will endure and provide benefit to County ratepayers for years to come.

We’ve accomplished a great deal in these past three years,” said Mertens. We positioned the County for financial stability—a platform upon which we can build. The issues I saw as the most pressing in my days as a councillor— I feel that we have addressed them.

Still, there are the files that didn’t make it to the finish line. Mertens had championed both the effort to reduce council’s size and to introduce a code of conduct for members of council. Neither of them passed.

“Yes, I’m disappointed,” said Mertens. “But life goes on. I prefer to look at the achievements that have been made and the positive impact these changes will have on all residents of the County. That’s what I will remember.”

With Mertens’ decision made, several sitting councillors and former rivals to the office will likely weigh their interest and chance of success in the mayoral race. Others may also consider a bid.

Councillor Robert Quaiff will certainly consider a run. He enjoys loyal support from the growing number of residents opposed to wind energy in Prince Edward County. He has also served for many years as chair of the police services board and been critical of the rising costs of policing.

Councillor Kevin Gale may also consider the mayor’s job. The longest serving member of this council has said he won’t run as a councillor again. But the mayor’s chair may prove too tempting for Gale.

Councillor Bev Campbell will be encouraged to run for the mayor’s job from variety of quarters. She is widely respected among her colleagues and her constituents.

Monica Alyea has not lost any of her passion for the issues and challenges that shape this community since coming third in the 2010 mayoral race. She is likely to consider another run.

Of course, presented with an open office and no incumbent, other lesser known names may also entertain a run for the mayor’s chair. As of Tuesday, the slate to replace Mayor Peter Mertens remained blank.