Regina city councillor Mike O’Donnell not seeking re-election

After 14 years on Regina city council, Mike O’Donnell has decided to not seek re-election in 2020.

The Ward 8 representative made the announcement Friday.

“I have certainly thought about this for a while and I think it’s time for me to move on and let somebody, hopefully younger, come in and lead this area,” O’Donnell said.

“I’ve had my opportunity and I think you should always leave before someone else tells you to leave. We also have become a younger community and I think in order for us to continue to grow and prosper, we need to have some folks who are going to look long term and see what young people need and want and so we can continue to grow.”

The civic election is slated for Nov. 9.

O’Donnell has served four terms representing Ward 8, which is a portion of the west end of the city.

He says the Queen City has changed during his time on council.

“We have grown in terms of population and grown in terms of the economy. I’ve very proud of the fact that we have become a place where new Canadians not only will come but will stay, set up a business and family and I think (Regina) has a prosperous future in front of us,” O’Donnell said.

During his time on council, O’Donnell chaired two national infrastructure summits, led the Olympic Torch Relay in Regina, helped move the community’s agenda to become more sustainable and also pushed for changes to school zone speed limits in the city.

But now his attention focuses on keeping some other people happy — his grandchildren.

“I just really want to play grandpa for a while,” O’Donnell said. “We have seven grandkids across Canada and we want to make sure we have a relationship with them.”