Municipal elections won’t occur in British Columbia until 2018, but Maple Ridge Mayor Nicole Read says she won’t be vying for the position again.
She says that doesn’t mean she’ll be shying away from politics entirely.
Read says she won’t be seeking re-election for reasons that hit close to home.
“My main reason is the challenges that my kids have been having in the school system. They are both twice-exceptional learners, and there’s been a lot of coverage in recent weeks from parents and educators, talking about this issue of children in the system with learning challenges that are not having their needs met.”
Read says she’s heard too many stories of children falling through cracks in the public education system.
She now wants to devote her time to drive change.
“How do I work with my local resources and my kids to make sure they get the support that they need, until the system is repaired. But much more important is the role I’m able to play as a voice, as an advocate, as a resourceful person.”
Read has been the subject of harassment and threats for her position on homelessness in the past.
She says that has been a difficult part of her journey.