PAM Goldmsith-Jones, mayor of the District of West Vancouver, said last week she plans to take a break from public office but wouldn't rule out another election campaign of some kind in the future.
Goldsmith-Jones announced Aug. 24 that she would not seek re-election following the end of her second term as mayor this November, fuelling speculation she might be a B.C. Liberal candidate in a possible fall election.
However, Premier Christy Clark said last week there would be no election until 2013.
"I genuinely believe two terms for a mayor is healthy for the community," said Goldsmith-Jones, adding that she felt some of the projects she helped set in motion, such as AmblesideNow, ought to picked up by a new mayor and council.
"I think that's the best way to achieve that, rather than it being about the person," she said. "I think we've created a framework for future councils to be successful."
While Goldsmith-Jones saluted Coun. Michael Smith for his decision to run for mayor, she said she would likely not endorse any candidate.
"I hope there's a challenge. Not because I don't think he'd be a good mayor, but I think it's important for the community to have a choice and provide direction to council. You need a mandate, I think, to provide good leadership. But it's good to see councillors step up."
Goldsmith-Jones said she has a few private-sector career options available to her, but won't be discussing them publicly until leaving office.
She also acknowledged that she had conversations with Liberal party officials about running provincially but again, wouldn't go into detail. "It just fuels something that is not in the near future," she said. "I will always be interested in public life, but I'm not interested at this time."
balldritt@nsnews.com
