Not showing his cards yet

Charlottetown Mayor Clifford Lee still mum on political future

Charlottetown Mayor Clifford Lee is still not saying whether he will seek a fifth term as mayor.

Voters in the capital city will head to the polls in November to elect a new council for the next four years.

In a recent interview with The Guardian in which the year ahead was discussed, Lee wasn’t showing his cards yet in regards to that election.

“Actually, at this stage, I’m not sure what my intentions are,’’ Lee said. “I love the job of being mayor of the city of Charlottetown. I’ve enjoyed it and continue to enjoy the job.’’

Lee was elected mayor in 2003, succeeding George MacDonald. MacDonald served as a city councillor through the 1980s and 1990s before being elected the 44th mayor of Charlottetown in 1997. He served in that position for two terms until deciding not to run again in 2003.

In his years as mayor, Lee has always spoken about the importance of any mayor recognizing that the city starts in the neighbourhood of East Royalty and ends in the neighbourhood of Winsloe.

“The question of whether I will be seeking re-election this year — it’s a little too early to answer that question — but it’s obviously a question that needs to be answered sooner rather than later.’’

There has certainly been plenty of speculation about Lee’s future in Charlottetown since he dished out some harsh words for all political parties in the P.E.I. legislature last month over discussions that took place in early December regarding the Water Act.

“I am disappointed with the lack of support the City of Charlottetown has from the two opposition parties and one government MLA during the recent discussions of the Water Act,’’ Lee said, adding that much of the talk centred around the city and its water usage.

Lee also had stern words for Charlottetown MLA Bush Dumville, who suggested Miltonvale Park, site of the city’s second water source, should be compensated for having a well in its community.

Many assumed that was a sign Lee was leaning toward running for mayor again.

“I was quite amazed on New Year’s Day at the levee here at City Hall at the number of people coming through referencing that newspaper article and saying the same thing, assuming that I’m going to seek re-election,’’ Lee said.

“There were many people encouraging me to seek reelection at the levee but, while I appreciate that level of support from the community . . . it’s a big question and one that you have to give serious consideration to. Today, the answer is, I’m not sure yet.’’