Mckeen says he won't seek third council term
Edmonton Ward 6 Coun. Scott Mckeen will not be seeking re-election in October.
The two-term councillor, who first took office in 2013, made the announcement Friday on his blog that he would be retiring from politics. He said it was a difficult decision that he has been thinking about over the past couple of years.
“I will miss it dearly. It's been the privilege of my life to sit on city council,” Mckeen said. “I will miss being invited to community events and meeting the unsung citizens whose work or volunteering makes Edmonton, well, Edmonton.”
During the 2013 election, the father of three took more than 6,300 votes, beating his closest rival Heather Mackenzie by a margin of roughly 1,650. Four years later, Mckeen took a much more decisive victory with about 7,770 votes, leaving challenger Bill Knight behind by more than 2,800.
Ward 1 Coun. Andrew Knack, who hasn't announced his re-election plans yet, tweeted that Mckeen would approach every issue with an open mind.
“While I think we all strive to do that, Scott truly set the bar for everyone else. I will miss his thoughtful approach to every discussion and he leaves big shoes to fill,” he said. “I will add that (Mckeen) is one of the hardest working public servants I've ever met. The range of issues that he has had to work on is far beyond what I've ever had to do over my time on council. His work ethic is what I strive to achieve every day.”
Ward 5 Coun. Sarah Hamilton, who is planning on running again, tweeted Mckeen was a “tremendous influence on council, and a vocal advocate for housing, mental health and addictions and of course, plain language.”
Mckeen's isn't the only member of council not seeking re-election.
Mayor Don Iveson and Ward 10 Coun. Michael Walters also announced they wouldn't be running again.