WATCH: A new online campaign is urging former Halifax Mayor Peter Kelley to come back to the city and run for mayor in 2016. Rebecca Lau reports.
HALIFAX – A new online campaign is urging former Halifax mayor Peter Kelly come back to the city and run for his old job in 2016.
The Draft Kelly website appeared in recent weeks but has not named any members except for local business consultant Chad Hudson.
Hudson, the website’s spokesperson, maintains the website is real although some Haligonians said they are skeptical and surprised.
“We believe that Peter Kelly in particular has the record of experience and the track record really of supporting regular Halifax residents and standing up for them,” Hudson told Global News on Monday.
“We believe he has the record and the experience…of holding the line on taxes, unlike the current mayor, and we believe we need a change in 2016.”
The campaign’s website outlines their specific issue with the current mayor.
“Mayor Mike Savage, along with a group of councillors voted this year to approve an exclusive tax cut for Irving Shipbuilding Inc., while at the same time, approving a property tax increase for ratepayers across the Halifax region,” it reads.
“We believe raising taxes to pay for an Irving tax break is unacceptable. The people of Halifax deserve a mayor with a track record of holding the line on taxes.”
Hudson said he has never met Kelly nor does he know the identities of all the people behind the campaign, which he estimates to be a couple dozen.
The campaign’s Facebook page had 14 likes as of Monday and features several comments critical of Kelly’s track record.
Kelly left municipal politics in 2012 amid controversies including public money loaned to a concert promoter to questions surrounding his role as the executor of a will.
“Of course there were mistakes made, no one can deny that. But I think we shouldn’t allow some negative aspects to outweigh the good of his record,” Hudson said.
The idea of Kelly returning as mayor garnered mixed reaction from voters.
“There is surely anyone better. There must be. I’m just flabberghasted,” said Russell Zwicker. “I’m surprised he still has fans left in Halifax.”
Others, were in full support of the former mayor.
“I thought he came through with a lot of ideas. He was really there for the people. I think if he comes back again I’d like to see him,” said Patricia Poirier.
When reached via phone in Alberta, Kelly said he has no knowledge of who started the campaign but is both humbled and flattered by the website.
He said his current contract as chief administrative officer of Westlock County will conclude at the end of February 2016, and he has not made a decision on whether to return to Halifax.
“Where things may go into the future is unclear at this time,” Kelly said.
“If I was to run, it would certainly be to either complete or bring forward new initiatives. But that’s a discussion to be had sometime in the future.”
The next municipal elections will be held on Oct. 15, 2016.
Vote in our poll: Would you elect Peter Kelly as Halifax’s next mayor?
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