Ward 10’s Walters won’t seek re-election in 2021
Two-term councillor says he’s stepping down to spend more time with family
Two-term Edmonton Coun. Michael Walters will not be running in next year’s municipal election.
The south-side Ward 10 councillor announced Wednesday morning he will not be seeking a seat as either councillor or mayor to spend more time with his wife and two teenage sons.
“I wouldn’t trade my time on council for anything, but like all good things it is coming to an end. I have a wonderful wife and two teenage sons I haven’t seen nearly enough of due to this job, and I plan to refocus my work and life in a way that prioritizes them the most. That sounds like a cliche in this business but it shouldn’t be. Those we love are the source of our greatest joy and fulfilment in this life, and that goes for politicians as well,” Walters said in a news release Wednesday.
“This work is a team effort: my elected colleagues, the professionals in city administration and many members of the Edmonton community all work together to move the city forward, and I’ve enjoyed what small role I’ve played. Not everyone agrees all the time on the best thing to do, but just about everyone I’ve come across in my time here genuinely wants what is best for Edmonton and for the whole community.”
Walters was first elected to city council in 2013, garnering 63.9 per cent of the vote in Ward 10. He was re-elected in 2017 with 59.5 per cent of the vote.
Ward-specific highlights of his time on council include the revitalization of Petrolia Mall, restarting development around the Century Park LRT station, neighbourhood renewal projects, the drainage transfer to Epcor and south LRT prioritization.
On a city-wide scale, Walters has worked to move forward an affordable housing policy and investments, regional transit, densification efforts, shifts to Edmonton’s economic development approach and the adoption of priority-based budgeting.
“Participating in the development of our community as a member of city council has been a major highlight of my professional life and I cherish the experiences I’ve had. This is challenging but gratifying work, and I urge anyone considering seeking public office — but particularly women, visible minorities and those from marginalized communities — to take the leap,” Walters said in his statement.
“We need your voices around decision-making tables. I intend to provide support to those from equity-seeking groups to win council races in whatever ways I can. The critical assignment for the next council is to secure Edmonton’s prosperity for the decades to come in what will be a vastly different environment than what we’re familiar with. I wish them every success in that regard.”
Before entering politics, Walters worked as a community organizer and public policy leader for two decades. In 2000, he won the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for his work with the city’s homeless community during his time at the Bissell Centre.
Edmonton’s next municipal election will be held on Oct. 18, 2021, where a mayor, 12 city councillors and 16 school board trustees will be voted into office. Walters is the first city councillor to officially announce he won’t be running.
Not everyone agrees all the time on the best thing to do, but just about everyone I’ve come across ... genuinely wants what is best for Edmonton and for the whole community.