Will miss councillors like 'bubonic plague,' departing mayor says

St. John's Mayor Andy Wells tendered his resignation Monday evening with anything but tender words for some of his colleagues.

"Look, there's five, I can guarantee you, that I will miss like the bubonic plague," Wells, who said he will leave on March 3, told the council meeting.

"But I certainly will miss the interactions with the public," added Wells, who also said he will miss working with city staff.

Wells — who has served as mayor since 1997, and who was first elected to council in 1977 — was essentially forced to resign as mayor after Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams issued an ultimatum to him last week.

Williams, who appointed Wells last month to take charge of the Public Utilities Board in March, said Wells could not start at the PUB until he had stepped down as mayor.

Wells sparked an uproar — just one of many during a fiery municipal career — when he said he could handle both full-time jobs and collect two full-time salaries until at least September.

The City of St. John's Act stipulates that a byelection must be held if the mayor steps down more than 12 months before the next scheduled election. Wells said that he felt strongly that taxpayers need not pay for a byelection, which he estimated would cost at least $400,000.

Wells told councillors he will leave the mayor's chair on March 3, the same day he formally takes up duties at the PUB.

His departure means that a byelection, which must be called within three months, is likely in early June.

'One of the smartest politicians'

Wells said he would like to see former deputy mayor Marie White succeed him, but said that polls put current Deputy Mayor Dennis O'Keefe out ahead.

As for other potential candidates, he said it would be a disaster if Coun. Shannie Duff — a former mayor — was elected again to the top job.

Duff, who has been locked in many nasty verbal battles with Wells over the years, said the insult proves that Wells will stay in character until the end, even though she said he has her grudging respect.

"He is one of the smartest politicians that I have ever worked with," she said.

"He had that skill about just being able to sense or smell the political wind."