A longtime alderman from Hamilton, Ontario, who recently admitted to battling health problems, will not be seeking re-election this fall.
In a statement after the registration deadline passed on Friday, Terry Whitehead of Ward 14 said he was concerned about his family's illness, the loss of his loved ones, and his own health. He cited worsening conditions, the COVID pandemic, as the reason. In order not to hold another election in October.
"The toll it has taken has been long to say the least. That is why it is time for me to take a step back and not seek re-election as your councilor in the next election." I know," Whitehead said in a letter of thanks to his voters.
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"At this point, There is no other choice for myself and my loved ones.”
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Whitehead is in Ward 14 and 8. I have represented the district for a total of 19 years.
A recent struggle for a post in District 14 involved the city's integrity commissioner going unpaid after discovering he was harassing staff and fellow city politicians. In he included 45 days of sanctions.
This term marks the second time Whitehead has faced conduct-related sanctions.
In addition to financial penalties, steps were also taken to monitor Whitehead's attendance at City Hall after Flamborough County. Judy Partridge has outlined "real" concerns about coming to her office.
During the Integrity Commissioner's investigation, allegations surfaced that he directed disrespectful, bullying and intimidating behavior against Partridge at his February meeting.
He later admitted at his June city council meeting that he was battling mental health problems, "taking sick leave" and "not returning to city hall."
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In November 2021, the Integrity Commissioner found that Whitehead had bullied and harassed other staff members, and the 30 Penalty of confiscation of wages for one day was imposed.
He defended himself by saying he was targeted for asking "hard questions" to city officials on behalf of Hamilton residents.
In a statement Friday. , Whitehead alluded to his own actions in recent years, saying the work "has never been as political as it usually is."
"I often found myself at odds with the status quo because I truly believed that it was the right choice for all of us, rather than making a decision to be popular with the council." I did,” Whitehead wrote.
There are currently seven candidates vying for Whitehead's Ward 14 status, with two more signed just before the Friday afternoon deadline.
Hamilton's local election registrations closed
With Whitehead's resignation, new city council following October election Deputies are elected in his 6th district. 24 votes.
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District 4 incumbent Sam Merula, District 11 Brenda Johnson, District 12 Lloyd Ferguson, Judy Partridge of the 15th Ward is also among those not seeking re-employment. selection.
Ward 5 also sees a new face after Chad Collins moves into federal politics and Russ Powers, Collins' nominee to represent him, leaves office without registering.
The sign-on entry deadline has passed at 2:00 PM. On Friday, all 15 of his boroughs in the city will have at least one challenger in the race for a city council seat.
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92 More than one person has signed a voice in Congress, including nine mayoral candidates seeking to succeed Mayor Fred Eisenberger.
83 want to represent voters in Congress.
Among those seeking seats on the council, the 5th Ward has the most candidates, with 12 vying to represent East Hamilton voters.
Both Wards 7 and 13 have the fewest candidates, with only two including incumbents Esther Pauls and Arlene VanderBeek respectively.
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