Edmonton Coun. Jane Batty to retire from politics

Coun. Jane Batty announced Monday shewill not seek re-election in the October 2013 Edmonton civic election after 12 years on council.

"I'm feeling a bit emotional this morning," she told reporters at city hall Monday. "I didn't think I would.I've been on council for 12 years and it's been an amazing journey working with the mayor and my colleagues in moving the city forward."

Batty, who represented Ward 6, crediteda"united city council, a mayor with a strong vision and a strong provincial and local economy"in helping the city move forward during her terms on council.

"Over the past 12 years, Edmonton has made tremendous advancements on multiplefronts: sustainable economic growth through cooperative regional planning, enhancedpublic transportation that connects all sectors of the city with downtown as the hub,and a revitalized downtown."

Batty said she was also proudtocontribute tothe renewal of Edmonton'sinner-city communities such asMcCauley, Central MacDougall and Queen Mary Park and in reducinghomelessness in the city.

Batty said it's time for new people with fresh ideas, thoughshe'll miss the friendships she's made.

Herannouncement comes a week afterthree-term mayor Mandel rejected running fora fourth term as mayor last week.

Coun. Kerry Diotte is giving up his seat to take a run at the mayor's office while Coun. Amarjeet Sohi announced last weekhe will run for council again.