A month ago, Coun. Mike Salisbury was fairly confident he’d be running for re-election this fall.
On Monday, he announced his time as a Ward 4 representative will be coming to an end in October, as he won’t be throwing his hat into the ring in search of a fourth term.
“It’s not a full-time career, it’s a public service,” Salisbury told GuelphToday after posting about his plan to retire from politics on social media. “It’s been 12 years. Twelve years is long enough.”
Salisbury was first elected to city council in 2006 and lost in 2010 when he sought re-election to the Ward 4 seat. He subsequently won municipal elections in 2014 and 2018, meaning he’s served on council for 12 of the past 16 years.
Salisbury is the second sitting member of city council to declare they won’t be running in the Oct. 24 election. The first was Coun. Bob Bell of Ward 1.
The decision to step away from politics stems from an arts mentorship program Salisbury took part in last year, which he’s been thinking more about lately. As part of that program, he took part in a goal-setting exercise that included contemplating his post-politics life.
The more he thought about it, the more he experienced feelings of “excitement and happiness” and found himself “full of enthusiasm,” Salisbury explained, noting he plans to transition into being a full-time artist.
Asked to comment on what he feels most proud of from his time on council, the Ward 4 rep was quick to state it’s how council has come together during the pandemic to not only address ever-changing scenarios and regulations, but to approve major projects and policies.
“I feel like the house is in order,” Salisbury said.
Though he feels council came together during this term, the councillor points out there was plenty of disagreement, debate and dialogue along the way, but believes it was done in a “civil and productive and constructive” manner.
Serving on city council has been the “best thing” Salisbury has done professionally and he encourages anyone thinking of running in the election to put their name forward.
“Now’s the time,” he said, adding he’s spoken with “many people” thinking of taking up the mantel who would make “great” councillors. “It’s hard when you’re working against an incumbent because there’s name recognition.”
It has been my honour to serve the residents of Ward 4 and it is with gratitude that I would like to announce my intention to retire from public service.
— Mike Salisbury (@ward4guelph) May 2, 2022
If you have ever considered running for local office, I strongly encourage you to do so. pic.twitter.com/SW4iHdvfzD
