Ottawa mayor cool on running for 2nd term

Ottawa Mayor Larry O'Brien says he isstruggling to find a reason to run for a second term, but he will make up his mind by June.

In an interview Tuesday, O'Brien said he's achieved most of the objectives he set for himself when he was elected in 2006.

Going over the list of promises outlined on his 2006 campaign brochure, O'Brien said he has kept most of them.

"Looking at this [the list], and with the single exception of taxes, I've achieved just about, well, everything that I set out to achieve in my first term," he said.

He said he's winning "the war on landfills;" the Lansdowne Park redevelopment is practically a done deal; construction on the new congress centre is in full swing; and the city's multibillion-dollar transit plan is "on the right track."

"You know, what's left on my to-do list that I came into this for? said O'Brien.'You only run when you have things that you really want to do, and I'm actually now trying to figure out what it is that I'm trying to do that would add a lot of value to the city of Ottawa."

After 3 years in office, O'Brien still describes himself as a businessman, not a politician. He admits he was "naive" to promise a tax freeze when he was elected, and he's full of compliments for his colleagues on council, including those who are registered or rumoured to be running for his job.

O'Brien said the city's struggle with homelessness could beone piece ofunfinished business that tempts him to run again.

"If I run, I believe I'll win. So I have to make sure that if I run, I have something big enough to do that will give me, be a reward for the next four years that I would have to contribute back to the city of Ottawa."

Former mayor Jim Watson in January quit his post as a member of the Ontariolegislatureand declared he would run for mayor again. Bay Coun. Alex Cullen has also joined the race, along with five other lesser-known candidates.