Saanich Coun. Ned Taylor, who was elected in Saanich as a 19-year-old in 2018, will not seek re-election this fall.
Taylor said his decision not to run again was influenced by a number of factors, including his plans to pursue his pilot’s licence and seek a career in aviation.
“Politics is a consuming thing and being an elected official is a consuming role and four years is not a short amount of time,” he said.
Taylor called his four years on council a “dream come true” and said he takes pride in his efforts to accelerate and expand action on climate change in Saanich and the region, along with his work on housing issues and urging more investment in pedestrian infrastructure.
Asked if a return to three-year terms for municipal councils would have made a difference in his decision, Taylor said the No. 1 reason he hears from young people not considering a run for office is they can’t commit to a four-year term.
“I do think that a three-year election cycle at the municipal level could mean more young people and people of diverse backgrounds run for office,” he said.
Taylor’s Saanich colleague Rebecca Mersereau previously announced she will not run again this fall.
Municipal council nominations open Aug. 30 and close Sept. 9.
