Former councillor Denis Walsh won’t run for mayor of Kamloops in November election
NEWS/ CIVIC ELECTION 2014 — Denis Walsh won’t run for mayor of Kamloops in the November civic election.
Denis Walsh.
In a statement issued today, the former councillor said he has given much thought to his possible candidacy and it has become “crystal clear” the best decision is not to run.
Speculation about his possible challenge to incumbent Mayor Peter Milobar has raged for months. Here is Walsh’s full statement:
I would like to officially let you know that I will not be running for Mayor this coming election.
I have been mulling over this very difficult decision for some time and I had plenty of help and advice this weekend at a family reunion/60th B-day here in Kamloops. We had an open discussion on my political future and it became crystal clear that seeking the mayor’s seat this election will not work for me and my family.
I care about my community and see many ways to make a better Kamloops for all. We have a great City and there are many things City Hall does very well, however there are also many things that could be improved if we had a more open consultative process and a stronger Council.
I find it unacceptable that our current City council has been so mute on the Ajax mine to date, which to me is the key issue in this campaign and definitely made my decision so difficult.
The fundamental question is why would Kamloops taxpayers choose to accept more of the risks than KGHM? This issue is really about what is Kamloops residents’ tolerance for risk.
We have all heard the excuses to be silent but my hope is that whoever gets on the new council will have a stronger voice and ask hard questions. The new council must demand a greater voice in the process than the current council has demonstrated. When you play their game and wait for the studies, it’s game over.
When I resigned from council three years ago my decision was based on the same reasons why I have decided not to run for mayor this election. It is very important to me not only to pay close attention to my two businesses but also spend more time with my family and especially my two wonderful grandchildren.
Regards,
Denis Walsh
Nominations for the civic election are open until Friday.
ArmchairMayor.ca 
So was I. I think he would have made a difference on council. Hopefully he can make a difference in other ways.
I was hoping he would run, however now it is “crystal clear”, that he would have been a one issue candidate, I am glad he is not.