Owen won't seek re-election

After three terms in the city's top job, Vancouver Mayor Philip Owen has decided not to run for re-election this fall.

His decision follows internal in-fighting among members of the Non Partisan Association, the civic party he has been part of for the past 25 years.

The NPA had told Owen he would have to compete for the party's mayoralty nomination, possibly against councillor Jennifer Clarke.

FROM MAR. 7, 2002: Mayor Owen splits with NPA

The 69-year-old Owen says he considered running as an independent this fall, but instead chose not to run again.

"I was rather hurt and a little angry for a while," he says. "But I've gotten over that now, and I'm going to move on and devote my energy and efforts to running this great city."

Owen says it's now time to shift gears and look for new challenges.

He has served as a park board commissioner, a city councillor, and as mayor since 1993.

FROM MAR. 8, 2002: Vancouver mayoralty race wide open