Two candidates in the Nelson municipal election withdrew their candidacy just ahead of the official deadline on Sept. 21.
In an email to the Star, incumbent councillor Anna Purcell said the decision was very difficult.
“I had no idea how sad this would make me feel! Serving on council has been hands-down the most meaningful work I’ve ever done, and deliberately walking away from it is surprisingly upsetting.”
She did not explain her reasons or her next career move but said it’s time to move on to other ventures.
“To incoming council,” she wrote, “may you bear your oaths of office with grace and open hearts. While there is still work to be done, you’re inheriting the stewardship of an incredible place, as you know, in very good shape it turns out, which you’ll learn. The view of our community from the council table is a breathtaking and complex tapestry. Once you glimpse it, you can’t unsee it and I hope you come to love that complexity as I do.”
Heather Keczan, who had never run for council before, has also withdrawn.
In a letter to the editor published on nelsonstar.com last week she did not explain her reasons but wrote, “I love democracy and I love debates and I love where I live.
“I am confident that from this long list of candidates we will end up with six councillors who are ready to take this city where it needs to be.”
