Longer stay?
Clarke keeping options open
Ever hear of a politician who changed his or her mind regarding their political future?
We can think of a few, starting with former prime minister Pierre Trudeau who appeared headed for early retirement after losing the 1979 federal election. Flash forward a few months and Justin’s dad was well on his way to another victory, four more years in power and the patriation of the Canadian constitution to seal his legacy.
Which brings to us to Cecil Clarke, Cape Breton Regional Municipality’s twice-elected mayor who managed to make headlines on two occasions in the last eight days.
First of all, Clarke’s quest to become leader of the provincial Progressive Conservative Party officially ended last weekend when he dramatically crossed the floor in a show of support for Tim Houston, the runaway first ballot leader.
Sure, Clarke could have dragged things out but to what end? The result would have been the same. The timing of the floor crossing, therefore, was primarily symbolic. One designed to send voters a message that said, after a bruising leadership campaign, the party now is supposedly unified as its turns its attention to dethroning the Liberals in the next election.
Then, in what must have come as a surprise to some, Clarke revealed that he’s not ruling out seeking a third term as mayor of CBRM.
A third term? Wait a minute. Didn’t Clarke announce when he was elected for the second time just over two years ago that it was two terms and done for him?
Well, that was then, apparently, and this is now and things change.
The Cecil Clarke of 2018 says he’s full of energy and ideas following his leadership bid, and has plenty of unfinished CBRM business to see through.
Some of that business no doubt includes completion of the second cruise ship berth, adoption of a municipal charter, continued port development, progress on the Nova Scotia Community College relocation front, continued debt reduction, progress on a new main library for downtown Sydney and much more.
It’s a daunting list and one made even more difficult by the challenges facing CBRM such as a declining population combined with a limited tax base.
But Clark’s supporters will argue that his political experience and diplomatic skills make him well suited to win a third term in 2020. His detractors, on the other hand, will argue that eight years is more than enough time to check off some of these items and a new face with new ideas is needed to run the show.
In the end, all the speculation may be for naught because, like any good politician, Clarke has given himself an out. Maybe he won’t run for a third term. Maybe a provincial seat will open up in 2020, right around the time the Liberals call another election. Maybe an opportunity in the private sector will open up.
Time will tell.