*Updated. Adds comments to Acadia News-
A surprise announcement this morning from Pam Mood.
The mayor of Yarmouth is no longer in the running for the West Nova Liberal nomination.
Mood, the Mayor of Yarmouth, says her decision is the result of deep reflection over the last few months, on matters both personal and professional.
She tells Acadia News there were many factors that led to her decision.
“In order to do have the most impact we need to be where we feel we can do our best work. As much as it sounds cliche, it’s no secret, my heart is right here. I know without a doubt I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.”
Mood says her decision to withdraw was not an easy one but had nothing to do with the SNC Lavalin controversy faced by federal Liberals.
“Absolutely not. No. That doesn’t affect me. I believe in what the federal government is doing, the amazing impacts they’re having. This is personal.”
Mood says she’s excited about the upcoming byelection and hopes people start thinking about what they can contribute to their community.
She says she’ll definitely be reoffering for mayor in 2020.
Story by Gary Nickerson
nickerson.gary@radioabla.ca
(CJLS News file photo)
Here is the full statement:
Wednesday, April 3, 2019
For immediate release
K-Statement from Pam Mood
Today I am announcing my decision to withdraw my name from consideration in the upcoming nomination to select a Liberal candidate for West Nova
.
My decision to withdraw is the result of deep reflection over the last few months, on matters both personal and professional.
How I can best serve the interests of my home – not just the Town of Yarmouth where I am honoured to be Mayor, but the entire region of western Nova Scotia?
Over the past six years I have developed strong relationships at the municipal, provincial and federal levels and have been entrusted with positions where my voice contributes to making those decisions that best improve the lives of the people in western Nova Scotia and beyond.
I have come to the realization that now is not the time to walk away from these positions and relationships – now is the time to build on them.
So I am exactly where I am supposed to be.
Since accepting the challenge to seek the nomination in January, I have been humbled by the support and encouragement I have received.
So it has been a difficult decision to make.
I understand I may be disappointing those who have been working so hard on my behalf to secure the nomination.
I can assure my campaign team and the hundreds of supporters with whom I have personally connected, in my community and beyond, that the goal of building a stronger region is still the focus of my energy.
And that work needs to happen at the municipal level – right where the people, the action, and my heart are.
