Nanaimo mayoral contender Mark Robinson has withdrawn from the leadership race.
Robinson announced today (Oct. 9) he will immediately pull out of the running for mayor, citing time commitment for the position as a reason for his decision.
“Upon deep reflection and after the first critical orientation meeting for all the candidates ... I have discovered that the time required for the position of mayor would be an unnecessary burden on my family and not consistent with the values to which I hold,” said Robinson in a statement to the News Bulletin. “As a single parent, I have to have due diligence and be mindful of this fact going forward.”
Robinson also said the recent announcements of more candidates for mayor has him fully satisfied the city has an excellent selection of nominees who can lead the community into “the economic prosperity, care for our environment, social harmony, and ongoing revitalization that all of our families and neighbours rightly deserve.”
Robinson's exit leaves seven mayoral contenders, including Al Thompson, Brunie Brunie, Coun. Bill McKay, former mayor Gary Korpan and city council veteran Bill Holdom.
Businessman Roger McKinnon and incumbent John Ruttan have declared their candidacies, but have yet to file nomination papers while Jim Routledge is expected to make a formal announcement about his bid Friday (Oct. 10).
The deadline to file nomination papers is Friday.