News Release

Martin Says Mayor Showed Strong Leadership on 2014 CWG Games Bid

(Monday, March 12/07)-- Mayor Peter Kelly did exactly what Regional Council and HRM residents asked him to do regarding the 2014 Commonwealth games bid effort-- he kept them informed on the status of the Games and new developments as they occurred, Bedford Councillor Gary Martin said today.

“When the Mayor was made aware of the Province’s decision last Wednesday night (March 7) that it felt the Games were too expensive, he immediately called for an emergency Council meeting to deal with the issue,” he said. “Based on commitments HRM made regarding our ability to pay, he prepared a motion for Council to debate and vote on. Based on his leadership and his knowledge of Council which turned out to be quite right, the motion carried.”

Councillor Martin said that no matter what the outcome of the emergency Council session, the media and the community had to be informed.

“All layers of government have media advisors who are there to provide communications advice, just as companies in the private sector do. The fact that the draft joint media release was issued by prior to Council's decision was a huge error, which was acknowledged by the Province by way of a formal public apology. This honest mistake may have upset Council members, but it had nothing to do with Peter Kelly's leadership,” he said.

Councillor Martin said Mayor Kelly made some very tough decisions to bring games information to Council, but his actions were supported by the majority of Council.

The Councillor said he has received a huge number of telephone calls and e-mails supporting the Mayor's motion, and just a few saying HRM should have continued its effort to host the 2014 Games.

“I am proud to serve under the leadership of Mayor Kelly and will continue to do so,” he said.

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Councillor Gary Martin
476-0021
Email: martinga@halifax.ca