Councillor Michael Walker retiring

Toronto veteran politician announced he’s not running again
Walker is calling it quits after nearly three decades in politics
By Kris Scheuer
(Written for Town Crier March 11.)

St. Paul's Councillor Michael Walker is not seeking re-election. Photo by Kris Scheuer/Town Crier.

After months of speculation on his political future, veteran councillor Michael Walker announced today he is calling it quits after nearly three decades in municipal politics.
The St. Paul’s rep made his announcement at 11 a.m. in the press gallery at city hall.
“I am announcing my intention not to stand for re-election as city councillor,” said Walker, who turns 70 this June.
“I do this with mixed emotions,” he said, at times getting misty eyed. “I have been most fortunate and honoured to have represented the residents of Toronto for 28 years.
Over that period I have been privileged to serve the interests of astute, discerning and highly engaged constituency for which I was deeply grateful.”
“The time has come now for me to step aside from that role now, which I will dearly miss as most of you know,” he said. “I thank the people I have represented for the remarkable level of trust they have placed in me over the years.”
Although he sees himself as “her majesty’s royal opposition” to the mayors he’s worked with, Walker spoke fondly of Art Eggleton, June Rowlands, Barbara Hall, Mel Lastman and current mayor, David Miller.

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Veteran city councillor Kyle Rae quits

Reports indicate after 19 years, he’s packing it in
Rae won’t seek re-election in 2010
By Kris Scheuer
(For update, click here.)

So more shake up at city hall. Is this a good think folks? Let me know.
I just read several reports that Toronto Centre-Rosedale Councillor Kyle Rae is calling it a day.I first read the news in an article by Rob Lamberti, a reporter with the Toronto Sun.
I have since read it on numerous news sites.
As it’s midnight on Friday night/Saturday morning, I can’t confirm.
But plan to tomorrow or Sunday when I speak with some Toronto politicians on my day off.
I have interviewed Rae many times over the past eight years and will seek to do a one-on-one interview with him for the paper I work for the Town Crier.
In the meantime, the full text of what he’s reportedly emailed his supporters is all over the ‘net, but I read it first on the Toronto Star‘s site. I have posted the full text of Rae’s email below.

“Dear Friends, last week, I began my 19th year as City Councillor for Ward 27. After lengthy and thoughtful consideration over the last year, I have decided that I will not run in the 2010 municipal election.