News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, October 25, 2005

Statement by Mayor Peter Kelly Regarding the PC Party Leadership Race

After considerable thought and discussion with my family, friends and many residents from throughout the province, I have decided to stay on as Mayor and not allow my name to be put forward as a candidate for the leadership of the Conservative Party of Nova Scotia.

As Mayor of the Halifax Regional Municipality, I am committed to seeing that the many major and important initiatives before us now are brought to fruition. They include the Regional Plan, our blueprint for growth and development over the next 25 years; our new economic strategy; our new immigration strategy; our Harbour Solutions Project; our cultural policy; tax structure review, etc.

I believe these initiatives are vital to ensure that HRM continues to grow and prosper and remain one of the most sought-after places to live, work, learn and play.

I am both flattered by, and thankful to, the many Nova Scotians, from communities across this great province, who have called or wrote or e-mailed me and pledged their support over the past number of weeks.

I enjoy being the Mayor of Halifax Regional Municipality and serving our many residents in the close to 200 communities that make up HRM. The many residents from both HRM and other communities in the province who urged me to stay on as Mayor made my decision that much easier. To them, I owe a great deal of thanks.

And finally, I believe that as a husband and father of two teenaged boys, the time is not right for me to broaden my commitment to public service as the leader of a province-wide party.

Thank you.

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Mayor Peter Kelly
490-4010