Mayor Sam Katz is out.
At a poorly attended event in Winnipeg’s Central Park because of rain, Katz announced after ten years in office he will not seek re-election.
Katz says he’s known in his heart for a long time he did not want to run again. He cited a promise to only sit two full terms and family as the reasons for walking away from political life.
Polling numbers have not been kind to the Mayor. He’s been dogged by cost overruns and has lost key allies within his Executive Policy Committee over the last four years.
Katz says his decision had nothing to do with polls but did acknowledge the heavy centre-right slate of candidates already on the ballot will make it difficult for someone else to win.
As for accomplishments Katz pointed to the redevelopment of Central Park, more people living Downtown, and new infrastructure including the controversial fire halls and new police headquarters.
His biggest disappointment during his tenure was no surprise, Katz talked about the inability to get more money and cooperation from the Province, something he lamented about often.
Katz owns the Winnipeg Goldeyes Baseball team and says he plans to get back to business.
