THUNDER BAY – Eight years is enough for Paul Pugh.
The veteran city councillor on Monday announced he will not run for a third term in McKellar Ward, instead saying he’ll be actively supporting the campaign of newcomer Ashley Nurmela, whose decision to run helped spur Pugh’s decision to step aside.
“The more I got to know about her and her qualities, I said, ‘Hmmm, the timing is perfect.’ We all do our best, we do what we can, but eventually we have to recognize that it’s time to let others move forward,” the 71-year-old Pugh said.
“This is the time for me to step back. I’m not going to disappear. I suspect I’ll be a community activist for as long as I live. Why change now? But I can do it from a different role.”
Pugh counts the addition of new social housing in Thunder Bay and what he termed a growing and improved relationship with the region’s Indigenous population, beginning with the city’s immediate neighbours, Fort William First Nation.
“I think these are all important things for building a future for Thunder Bay,” he said.
He’s also glad the city is well on its way to mitigating flooding in affected neighbourhoods, particularly the Thunder Bay’s east end.
Nurmela, a married mother of four who recently returned to college, said she decided to throw her name into the ring following a lifetime of community advocacy.
“I really enjoy what I do, so why not take it to the next level and be a part of shaping how the city moves forward, together with everyone?” she said.
If elected, Nurmela would also bring an Indigenous voice to the council table.
This was also an important factor in the reason behind her campaign.
“I would like to make it more inclusive and bring our community together in unity.”
Pugh is the second ward councillor to announce he won’t be seeking re-election on Oct. 22. McIntyre Coun. Trevor Giertuga has said he plans to run at-large. At-large Couns. Iain Angus and Larry Hebert have publicly declared they’re running for mayor.
Candidates can officially begin filing their nomination papers on Tuesday and have until July 27 to do so.
Follow Leith Dunick on Twitter: @LeithDunick
