As CTV Windsor first reported Wednesday night, Bill Marra will not run for mayor of Windsor.
Marra made the announcement official at a news conference Thursday morning. During a sit down interview with CTV Windsor’s Christie Bezaire Wednesday night, Marra stated his intention not to seek the mayor’s seat.
Instead, the Ward 8 councillor says he will seek re-election as a councillor and help the next mayor get started.
"Being true to my principals and who I am as a man, a father, a husband; it was clear to me that running for mayor was not the right decision at this time," Marra says.
Marra is a five-time city councillor. He was first elected in 1994 and ran against Windsor Mayor Eddie Francis in 2003. Many thought this election would be his big chance, but Marra says things are different now.
“If I was going to do it, it had to be for the right reasons, so I feel very good about this decision. My conscience is clear. I feel very much at peace with it and I know that I'm doing the right thing," Marra says.
Marra’s decision not to run now opens things up for an interesting mayoral race in Windsor. So far, three candidates have submitted papers to run for mayor, including Ernie The Baconman.
Councillor Drew Dilkens, former MPP Teresa Piruzza and former labour leader Ken Lewenza Sr. have had their names tossed around as potential candidates as mayor.
