Esquimalt Mayor and Capital Regional District chairwoman Barb Desjardins is stepping aside from municipal and regional politics to focus on running for provincial office in the May 9 election.
Desjardins, Liberal candidate for Esquimalt-Metchosin, is taking unpaid leaves of absence from the CRD and her Esquimalt council duties — including her position as co-chairwoman of the Victoria-Esquimalt police board.
The leave from CRD is effective Thursday, Bob Lapham, CRD chief administrative officer, says in a memo to directors.
CRD vice-chairman Dave Howe, director for South Gulf Islands Electoral Area, will assume board chairperson duties in Desjardins’ absence, while Esquimalt Coun. Lynda Hundleby, Desjardins’ CRD alternate, will take over Desjardins’ CRD committee duties.
Desjardins is a member of all board standing committees, with the exception of the electoral area services committee.
If Desjardins wins a provincial seat, Howe will become chairperson for the remainder of the 2017 term and the board will elect a new vice-chairperson, Lapham said.
Desjardins said she will take an unpaid leave from her Esquimalt council duties as of April 10.
The job of acting mayor rotates among council members. Coun. Beth Burton-Krahn will be acting mayor while Desjardins is absent. A byelection would be called to fill the mayor’s position if Desjardins wins a seat in the legislature.
Desjardins’ leave of absence puts Esquimalt council down two bodies. Coun. Tim Morrison is on extended leave while he travels.
Desjardins is hoping to succeed NDP MLA Maurine Karagianis, who is retiring.
Mitzi Dean, executive director of the Pacific Centre Family Services Association, is the NDP candidate for the Esquimalt-Metchosin riding.
Andy MacKinnon, a Metchosin councillor, author and adjunct professor at Simon Fraser University, will carry the Green banner. MacKinnon has said he hopes to be able to carry out his council duties during the race, but will request a leave if necessary.
Desjardins was elected to Esquimalt council in 2005 and elected mayor in 2008. This is her second term as CRD chairwoman.
