Jim Watson seeks return to mayor's chair
Posted Jan 22, 2010 By Rosalyn Stevens
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Tweet ThisEMC News The race for the city's top job heated up last week, with the announcement that former mayor and provincial cabinet minister Jim Watson, 48, will add his name to the ballot.
Mr. Watson, MPP for Ottawa West-Nepean, stepped down as minister of municipal affairs and housing before making a statement on his political intentions on Jan. 12.
Speculation ran wild for many months leading up to Mr. Watson's announcement, but the final decision came just weeks ago, he said. For the past six months at least, he said many people stopped him on the streets, at events, or e-mailed him asking if the former mayor of Ottawa would consider a return to his old job.
"I don't have all the answers," he said, "but I believe that my experience both inside and outside city hall could be a benefit for the city."
He said the message has been clear from residents, many in Ottawa are frustrated with the current situation at City Hall and are looking to the October election for a new direction.
"I think the other thing that frustrates people is the lack of cohesiveness around the council table," Mr. Watson said, adding that he brings the willingness to work with councillors for the ultimate goal of bettering the city.
"It's not the mayor's way or the highway," he said. "It's a consensus around the table."
Mr. Watson first served on city council in 1991 and was elected mayor in 1997, a position he held until August 2000. His entry into provincial politics came in 2003, when Mr. Watson was first elected as MPP for Ottawa West-Nepean. During the seven years he has served provincially, Mr. Watson has held cabinet positions in consumer and business services, health promotion, and most recently, as minister of municipal affairs and housing.
Last summer, Mr. Watson was outspoken about several issues facing the city. While some critics noted his analysis as a lead-up to a mayoral run, Mr. Watson claimed at the time his concerns were relevant to his provincial cabinet portfolio. Mr. Watson now says that running for mayor is a "natural progression" from his past experiences and views of the city government.
"I was critical of certain things the city was doing and I had a choice," he said. "I could continue to sit on the side and be critical, or I could throw my hat in the ring."
During the next several months, Mr. Watson said he would spend his time listening to Ottawa residents, and using their feedback to formulate a platform of priorities. However, he said, the bottom line is that he won't promote the city overspending on anything.
He noted that the 10-month campaign will be challenging and while he's been touted a front-runner, he's not letting that speculation impact his campaigning.
"I've always been of the opinion that the incumbent's a front-runner," he said.
Though Larry O'Brien has not made his intentions clear in the race for the seat he currently holds, Mr. Watson said the current mayor's financial standing could make it a costly campaign to battle.
"Mr. O'Brien's a well-off individual, and he can certainly self-finance his own campaign if he chooses."
Mr. Watson added that as Bay ward Coun. Alex Cullen, who has also added his name to the mayoral race, has been in politics longer than he has, Coun. Cullen has garnered much support in communities and organizations over the years.
However, Mr. Watson said one thing he can bring to the table is experience with senior levels of government.
"The city deals an awful lot with other levels of government, and I have that experience... I know which doors to open, how to get things done," he said.
Once Mr. Watson formally resigns as MPP, which he said would be done in the next few weeks, he can officially register as a candidate and begin his campaign.
For more information about candidates for the Oct. 25 election, visit www.ottawa.ca.
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