HRM Mayor Peter Kelly just announced he will not be seeking reelection in October.

“I feel that, after 27 years of public service, I have made my contribution to the good of the community to the very best of my ability and it is time to seek new horizons,” he said.

In a release sent out Wednesday afternoon, Mayor Kelly said that he intends to complete his term.

“It has been a great privilege to be mayor of HRM and I will carry with me forever the spirit of goodwill that citizens have always shown me. They have been my constant guide and inspiration. The residents were always the best part of this job and I thank them from the bottom of my heart for their advice, their support and also for their forgiveness when I have made mistakes, and I have made my fair share!.”

Kelly, 55, said he made his decision not to reoffer on Tuesday, after taking some personal time to reflect and to consult with his family, he said in the statement.

“Being mayor has come with a cost,” he said. “Working more than 90 hours a week has taken its toll. My marriage has ended and it has been a strain on my family. I have always put the wellbeing of the municipality first but now it is time to give my family priority. I know that everyone will understand and respect my decision.”

He acknowledged that there had been stumbles along the way, including his duties as executor to the estate of his late friend, Mary Thibeault, as was recently brought into the public light in an investigative story by The Coast.

“I am not making any excuses. Whatever problems have arisen have been because of my own tardiness and I am in the process of fulfilling her instructions,” he said. “Everything is accounted for and will be distributed according to her wishes.”

Popular mayoral candidate Mike Savage sent out a statement this afternoon acknowledging and thanking Kelly for his years of public service.

“There will still be an election in the fall.  I am one of several candidates for mayor,” Savage said in his statement. “I will continue to focus on the task at hand which is visiting all parts of HRM, making sure people have a chance to tell me what they believe the issues are, then setting out my plan for making this the most liveable, entrepreneurial and inclusive city in Canada.”