Jennifer Watts won't re-offer for Halifax municipal election in 2016

Jennifer Watts has decided two terms is enough as councillor for the Halifax Regional Municipality.

The representative for District 8 confirmed on Wednesday she would not re-offer for the October 2016 municipal election. Watts said the decision was actually made in 2008 before she was re-elected for her second term.

"I think it's very important, particularly at the municipal level, to have the opportunity to have new voices and new perspectives around the council table," she said.

Watts said she is making the decision public now so residents can consider the issues and figure out what they value in terms of leadership.

'Council is very white'

"Currently, council is very white, it's predominantly male and it also tends to be of an older generation," she said.

She said sometimes it's up to an incumbent to step aside to allow others the opportunity to move forward.

"It's very valuable to have new people come to the table, offer their ideas, be involved in that decision making process," she said.

"I just think that makes for really good governance and really supports the democratic process within our community."

Watts said it has been an honour to represent the former District 14 and the current District 8.

She said she would tell anyone considering a run at a council seat they need to know a little bit about a lot of issues.

"It requires, particularly at the municipal level, a very broad range," she said. "You need to be prepared to be making decisions on many, many different topics."

Watts also invited anyone interested in running to contact her to discuss the role and responsibilities of being a city councillor.

"It can be very daunting, and it can be very stressful but it is really an amazing process to be involved in."