Residents in Saint John Harbour will have a brand new MLA no matter who wins Monday’s provincial election.
Liberal MLA Dr. Ed Doherty has retired from politics after nine years in the legislature.
Doherty told our newsroom it was a tough decision to make because he enjoyed his time in office.
“I’m 69 years old and in excellent health and it was time that I thought I should spend a bit more time with my family and have a bit more personal time,” Doherty said.
Doherty said the most rewarding part of his time in the legislature was advocating for those who could not speak for themselves.
He said one of the challenges for him was making tough choices about which projects in his riding would receive funding.
As for what he will do in retirement, Doherty said he is not entirely sure yet.
“I’m catching up on some projects that have been neglected for a number of years and enjoying this wonderful September out on my hand cycle doing a fair bit of cycling,” he said.
Doherty also has some advice for his successor: Work hard to deliver on what you think are the pressing issues for the constituents.
(Photo: Brad Perry/Acadia News)