Grey Highlands Deputy Mayor Aakash Desai has announced he will not run in this fall’s municipal election.
Desai made the announcement in an online post on his Facebook page and through an email sent to media outlets.
“Four years ago, I ran to be the deputy mayor because I wanted to change the type of leadership at Grey Highlands council. It is time, once again, for change, new ideas, a different type of leadership, and fresh faces around the table,” said Desai. “I want to announce that I will not be seeking re-election to Grey Highlands council in this October’s election.”
Desai served a total of eight years on Grey Highlands council. First elected in 2014, he served a term as a councillor and then moved up to the deputy mayor’s chair in the 2018 election.
“These past eight years will always remain close to my heart. I hope to remain a positive voice in our community through volunteering with various organizations working to make Grey Highlands a better place,” said Desai.
As deputy mayor, Desai served as a member of Grey County council the past four years and he said in his statement he looks forward to seeing fresh faces in the election this fall.
“I am excited to hear from candidates who will run to form the next council,” he said. “Thank you to the people of Grey Highlands for your faith in me over the two terms. It has been an honour to have had the opportunity to serve you.”
Grey Highlands Mayor Paul McQueen said Desai's announcement came as a "big surprise."
"I always felt Aakash would continue to serve his community and seek higher office. I wish him all the best in his future endeavours and thank him for all his work around the Grey Highlands council table," said Grey Highlands Mayor Paul McQueen.
