Downtown Windsor councillor not running for re-election or mayor
After two-terms serving on Windsor city council, Ward 3 councillor Rino Bortolin has announced he is not running for re-election.
Bortolin told reporters he was considering a run for mayor, but ultimately decided against it.
“This decision was not an easy one and was made with many considerations in mind,” Bortolin said. “Mainly, the need to spend more time with my family. I want to change that.”
He said the past eight years have been very rewarding and he’s been happy to deliver outcomes alongside members of the community.
“While I am stepping away from the council table, it doesn’t mean that my community work and advocacy will stop,” Bortolin said. “I can assure you I will not stop being vocal on municipal issues, in fact I may be louder and more direct than ever.”
During his time on council, Bortolin served on more than 20 boards and committees, including his current positions as the chair of the Development and Heritage Standing Committee, chair of the Windsor Public Library, vice-chair of the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, Windsor Police Services board member, chair of the Property Standards Committee, chair of the Windsor Business Improvement Association Advisory Committee and member of the Community Services and Parks Stand Committee.
He says his work advocating for resident’s issues such as housing and homelessness, transit equity, active transportation, drug addiction and safety and security and alley lighting were his most memorable accomplishments during his time on council.
“I helped elevate their voices in ways they were not used to. The trust we created was special,” Bortolin said. “The value of that trust cannot be understated. To me, that’s the true value of the work I’ve done of the last eight years.”
He noted the City of Windsor has some great talent and “cultivating and nurturing that talent has been difficult at times because we blur the lines between the politically elected and administration of the city.”
“Allowing that administration to do their work is key in harnessing that talent and continuing the progressive work and course set by all of city council,” said Bortolin.
Bortolin was first elected in 2014 and will remain a councillor until the next council is sworn in in November, 2022.
Windsor mayor Drew Dilkens issued a statement about Bortolin’s announcement.
“Congratulations to Councillor Bortolin for making this difficult decision. I acknowledge the passion and spirit that he brought to his role as Councillor for Ward 3. I know first hand the incredible personal toll that serving in elected office requires, especially during these past few years. As he and his family embark on a new chapter, Jane and I wish them all the very best. I am sure that Mr. Bortolin will find a way to contribute to building our City even as he steps back from Windsor City Council,” said Dilkens.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
South Korean sentenced to 14 months in jail for killing 76 cats
South Korean man has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for killing 76 cats in one of the country's most gruesome cases of animal cruelty in recent years.