Rosalind Neis will not seek a second term as mayor of Westside.

The rookie politician, who took a year off from her job as an operating room nurse, at Kelowna General Hospital, says she is stepping away to spend more time with her family.

"In the course of making this decision, I thought long and hard about what I brought(and what I did not bring) to the Mayor's office. I took into consideration my family, the many people that have supported me, those that have encouraged me and those that asked me to continue to represent the citizens of this community," Neis says in a prepared statement.

"As I consider the positives regarding a second term as mayor, I find 28,000 reasons to continue. That being said, when I consider my family, I find many reasons to return to nursing."

Neis says she loves nursing. She says it provides her with stability from both a financial and family point of view.

While she won't seek a second term as mayor, Neis says she hopes to stay on as a councillor.

"Given that the position of councillor would allow me to continue to represent people on the Westside, apply the knowledge that I have gained over the past year, and at the same time, allow me to return to a part-time position at KGH, I feel that this would be the best way to balance the needs of my family and those of the 28,000 people on the Westside."

Regarding her legacy as Westside's first mayor, Neis believes six points bear noting:

• On inauguration day, December 6th last year, I was a complete political novice. I had very little knowledge about civic governance and I had no aspirations to make politics my sole profession. However, I am proud of what I brought to the Mayor’s role which I feel included: common sense, a commitment to work hard and learn, and a desire to provide the best possible governance for the people of the Westside.
  
• I hoped that the Westside would amalgamate with Kelowna and for all of us to enjoy the benefits that would befall B.C.’s 5th largest city but, based on the results of the November election, I knew that amalgamation was impossible at this time. Therefore, I have kept the promise I delivered in my inaugural address and I have never wasted any of our staff work time or any of our Council meeting time discussing the amalgamation issue.
  
• As your Mayor, I wanted to listen closely and respond to all of your comments and try to balance each individual’s desires with our city’s needs and with our city’s ability to pay. I believe I have done that.
  
• I have brought forth a number of new ideas for our city to consider. I have strived to provide good leadership and work harmoniously with all councillors to create an effective city council.
  
• My consideration of the many municipal issues brought before council has not been based on political expediency or personal bias but rather I have attempted to examine each issue carefully and dispassionately and make decisions based on what I thought would be best for the community as a whole and for the future of this area.
  
• I am extremely pleased with the work our municipal staff has done in getting this city organized and started on its way to be a place where people will hopefully want to live, work and play. Their work ethic has been exceptional!

To date, only current Councillor, Doug Findlater has indicated he will seek the mayor's chair.

Westside residents go to the polls to elect a new mayor and council November 15.

Full transcript of Rosalind Neis' press release. (in pdf format)

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