Lindsay Luby announced at the start of Thursday’s council meeting — the last meeting of the 2010-14 term — that she was retiring.
“I have come to the difficult conclusion of not running again,” Lindsay Luby told council. “I’ve enjoyed being fulfilled by my many years of public service. It has given me a lot and I hope in turn I’ve given a lot to my community.”
Lindsay Luby was first elected as a school board trustee in 1978. She went on to run for Etobicoke council and win in 1985. She was elected as a Toronto city councillor in 1997 and went on to win the next four elections.
In her farewell speech to council, Lindsay Luby talked about the importance of municipal government and how she’s enjoyed the independence of being a councillor rather than an MPP or MP in a party system.
“As some people have learned you can’t push me around because I push back — many people have learned that,” Lindsay Luby said.
The Etobicoke Centre (Ward 4) councillor also encouraged councillors to “remember the letter ‘i’” as they continue to serve at City Hall.
“The letter ‘i’ stands for integrity and if you do not have integrity then you shouldn’t be here,” she said.
With her retirement announcement, Lindsay Luby also endorsed Niels Christensen to replace her.
Councillor Peter Leon — who was appointed by council last year to replace former councillor Doug Holyday — ended months of speculation Thursday and confirmed he won’t be running for council this fall. Leon had promised council he wouldn’t run to keep the seat if he was appointed.
“Today standing before you I confirm that I will and continue to remain a man of my word,” Leon said. “Councillors you have allowed me to truly live my dream ... it has been a true honour.”
Councillors Mike Del Grande, Karen Stintz, Doug Ford and recently appointed Councillors Ceta Ramkhalawansingh and James Maloney are also not running again.
All five delivered farewell speeches to council as well on Thursday.
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