Longtime Ajax mayor will not seek re-election

Steve Parish, who's been mayor for seven terms, will be stepping down after 23 years in the position

Thestar.com
April 13, 2018
By Keith Gillian

For the first time since 1995, Ajax will have a new mayor.

Steve Parish announced today that he won't seek re-election in the fall municipal election.

"After seven terms, 23 years and an entire generation, I've decided not to seek re-election. I've given it much thought and reflection. It's been a time of great growth and achievement," he said during a press conference at the town hall.

He was joined by family members, including his father Bill Parish, who served as the Town's mayor in the 1950s and '60s.

"I've always been committed to preserving what is best for the community," Parish said.

Also at the announcement were several council members and also dozens of town staff.

With his resignation and the town's move to a new three-ward system, he said there would be changes on council.

"There will be new leadership, new ideas," he said. "I look forward to candidates who are creative, intelligent people."
When he first became mayor in 1995, his son Joe was 14. Joe was at the announcement with his wife and daughters.

"I've accomplished the things I've wanted to accomplish. I've given all to the job," he said. "There are new people in the community who want to get onto council.

When asked if he was interested in seeking the regional chairman's position, Parish said, "I'm not here today to talk about the regional chairman."

He chose now to announce his intentions because "I felt I had an obligation to my council colleagues. It's something they wanted or needed to know. I've kept that cork in the bottle."