Edmonton Coun. Michael Oshry not seeking re-election

Michael Oshry will not seek re-election in October as Edmonton’s Ward 5 city councillor.

He said it’s “time for me, on a personal level, to move on.”

“I think the city is on a pretty good path,” he said. “It’s grown and changed a lot over the last four years. It’s more of a personal decision. There’s some things that I’ve worked on for four years, overall have gone pretty well. For me, I wanted something different. I learned a lot and I think I’ve made a positive contribution..

“I really don’t have any plans what I’m going to do come October.

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“I might go back into politics, I might go back into business. I’m really going into the fall with a clean slate. I really have no plans at all. It’s kind of a good place to be but kind of a scary place to be as well.”

Oshry announced the decision on Twitter Wednesday morning:

“I know Coun. Oshry was pondering the decision for some time,” Mayor Don Iveson said. “It will be a loss for council. His business acumen and his very critical thinking applied to our decision-making has been a real asset on this council.

“I wish him the very best but it is a loss in terms of horsepower and thoughtfulness on some of the tougher issues we deal with.”

Oshry was elected to council during the last municipal election in 2013. Since then, he has served on a number of committees and boards including Northlands, the Emerging Economy Initiative and the Edmonton Police Commission.

READ MORE: Oilers playoff run ‘purely coincidental’ when it comes to efforts to bring back ‘City of Champions’ moniker 

When asked about his frustration regarding the City of Champions sign debate, Oshry declined to comment. He said his decision not to run was made prior to Tuesday’s council meeting.

“It’s not remotely relevant.”

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READ MORE: Longtime Edmonton city councillor Bryan Anderson will not seek reelection

Earlier this year, long-time councillors Bryan Anderson and Ed Gibbons announced they will not seek re-election.

The municipal election is October 16.

“I think a lot of the candidates who are out there running in these wards are well familiar with city hall too,” Iveson said. “So, I look forward to welcoming new colleagues. I think it’s good to have fresh perspective on council too so we’ll make it work.”

Oshry also thinks having three new councillors will be positive.

“I think that’s actually a good for the city. I think having some new ideas is always good.”