Photo by Whitehorse Star
ABOUT-FACE – On Monday, Dan Curtis said he’d stay on as mayor while he campaigns for election to the legislature, but on Tuesday, he said he’s taking a leave.
Curtis would return as mayor if he lost election
Mayor Dan Curtis has made another about-face on his decision to stay in office while he campaigns for election to the legislature.
Mayor Dan Curtis has made another about-face on his decision to stay in office while he campaigns for election to the legislature.
On Monday, Curtis told the Star he planned to stay on as mayor while the April 12 election campaign is on.
On Tuesday afternoon, Curtis put himself into reverse – and announced he is taking a leave from the city.
That’s the third version of Curtis’ expressed plans.
When he announced his candidacy in January, he promised he would resign as mayor if the election was called before his term was up this October.
Curtis’ announcement came within an hour of NDP candidate Emily Tredger, who is running against him in Whitehorse Centre, issued a news release castigating Curtis for his decision to stay on as mayor.
The release from Tredger was issued under the title “Four questions Dan Curtis must answer about his decision not to step down as Whitehorse mayor”. Tredger asked:
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Is he still collecting his mayoral salary while he’s door-knocking for the Liberal party?
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How can he still be getting his job done as mayor for people while he’s busy campaigning?
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How do people know which hat he’s wearing when they talk to him?
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Why did he go back on his promise to step down?
“The mayor promised he would step down as mayor at an event announcing his candidacy for the Yukon Liberals,” Tredger stated.
“When the election was called (last Friday), I took a leave without pay from my job as the executive director of Teegatha’Oh Zheh, because it was the right thing to do,” she added.
“People want to know that the people asking for their vote will follow through on their promises. That’s what elections are about.”
Curtis told the Star he hadn’t seen the release, though.
He said the issue of his remaining as mayor came up at Monday night’s council meeting.
Curtis said he had reflected on the issue, and received some advice from other municipal officials, and had come to the conclusion that his running for another office presented at least a perceived conflict of interest.
“On Monday before council, I asked Deputy Mayor (Jan) Stick to take the mayor chair.”
Councillors serve as deputy mayor on a set, rotating system.
On that basis, Curtis decided to take an unpaid leave of absence until April 13.
“I’m announcing that I’m stepping down as mayor until then,” he told the Star.
In a Facebook post, Curtis said: “I hear there is some incorrect information being shared about my role as mayor.
“To make things completely clear, the deputy mayor Jan Stick has taken over the mayoral role during the election period. I will not be receiving pay during this time.
“If I am unsuccessful in my candidacy for downtown centre, I will remain as mayor until the fall election. I will not be running again as mayor.”
A brief news release from the city making the announcement was issued later Tuesday afternoon.
“Please be advised that Councillor Jan Stick, as Deputy Mayor, will assume the Mayor’s role until April 13th, 2021. Mayor Dan Curtis will be stepping back from his formal duties during this period.”
See letter on election’s timing.
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Comments (49)
Up 1 Down 0
yukonlibby on Mar 25, 2021 at 10:20 pm
To top this all off, Dan can't even read his own bylaws... which clearly state that no political signage can be placed on the Two Mile Hill right of way, yet there Dan's sign sits. Heck they even ploughed the snow around it for him.
Up 2 Down 0
Resident on Mar 24, 2021 at 2:23 pm
@SH Nothing but respect.
On its face, it does look acceptable but the recent tie vote shows that he also left council vulnerable to split votes. One thing to take leave due to illness, family emergencies, or true conflicts of interest. Another to take leave because you want an MLA pension.
Up 0 Down 0
Clifford on Mar 24, 2021 at 4:26 am
Things could be a lot worse than Dan going back as Mayor if he doesn't win center.
He said he won't run again for Mayor so we get some fresh meat come fall regardless. We could be (in some bizarre twist of fate) stuck with Wilf right now belching forth his non-nonsensical delusional twisted take on things at the behest of the YP. A vote for the Yukon Party is a vote for Wilf .
Up 1 Down 1
Adam Smith on Mar 23, 2021 at 11:12 pm
ABC.. Anyone But Curtis. Has a ring to it.
How can anyone in Whitehorse Centre think he will represent them if it puts him in opposition to the Liberals?
We are lucky to have another 2 strong candidates who would be better voices for Whitehorse Centre and another 2 strong candidates for Mayor in October.
Dan, what is your position on the Centre of Hope? What was it last year? 2019?
If our Mayor will resign his position on April 13th if he becomes an MLA he should in good conscience resign if he loses.
ABC.
Up 22 Down 3
Crunch on Mar 23, 2021 at 9:18 am
Here's what I get after watching this charade. DC had plans to turn our northern town into an envious city with him at the helm. To accomplish this was to manifest the liberal machine and pour government money into Whitehorse. To offset this massive increase in spending the tax base had to bear some responsibility and the king figured a modest 3 to 4% a year was a reasonable amount to ask the residents to turn their town into a city. The tax base refused. The king was forced to drop the yearly increases to under the 2% level. The out of control spending continued. The king can't ask the serfdom for the increases required to make things work so he needed another plan. That plan was to jump from the city to territorial politics and slush money back to the city to keep the dream alive and save face. It's time for the residents to take back their town from these narcissistic oligarchs.
Up 9 Down 0
SH on Mar 23, 2021 at 9:17 am
Resident, you make a strong argument. I'm inclined to be won over.
Up 10 Down 5
Wilf Carter on Mar 22, 2021 at 11:03 pm
They are already holding a job for Dan, director of labor development. They just filled it with a temp until they see if he does not win anything. He will run for mayor again with a liberal backup plan to support him if he fails.
Question is, if liberals don't get back in then what Dan is your backup plan??
Sandy will go back teaching, Ranj will go back to Vision, Richard will go back to workers comp. Tracy will go back to being a lawyer for QDFN.
Up 19 Down 4
Yukon Justice on Mar 22, 2021 at 2:51 pm
Combine both jobs, throw in a sceptre and crown and wish him well.
Up 30 Down 6
Groucho d'North on Mar 22, 2021 at 9:37 am
A foot in two canoes usually does not end up well- but it will result in an end being up.
Up 29 Down 4
Klaus G. on Mar 21, 2021 at 5:16 am
Does the City have any idea how many buildings it has now? Is there a breakdown of what buildings including sq ft are used for? What buildings are heated? What buildings will be torn down? What buildings will be sold as is? When? Does the City have a clue on this?
Up 43 Down 5
jack on Mar 20, 2021 at 6:04 pm
I predict that he loses the election, he keeps his word and does not run for mayor in the fall civic election ..... then takes up a new job as a real estate agent.
Up 36 Down 13
John on Mar 19, 2021 at 6:53 pm
I hope Tredger not only took leave but resigned from her position, wouldn't want some one with partisan politics as an ED of an NGO. She could lead by example. And while they are at it, the NDP could donate all their personal contributions to the food bank. Oh no that's right they just want to call everyone else out when it wouldn't cost them a thing.
Up 79 Down 6
Resident on Mar 19, 2021 at 10:13 am
@SH
The problem is that the electors chose him to be mayor, not a territorial candidate. He's expected to devote his full attention to municipal issues, not publicly ogle his political career.
Plus, we don't have parties at the municipal level. Regardless of what we believe someone's alignment is, municipal politicans should remain non-partisan as they MUST work with any party. The last thing we need is the Mayor fighting with Cabinet because he's a declared Liberal but the NDP or Yukon Party form government. Party politics in municipal government will turn Whitehorse into more of a gongshow than it already is.
Up 59 Down 8
Crunch on Mar 19, 2021 at 9:11 am
This is the Liberal entitlement in its finest hour. The best part will be the damage control and it's coming next. Dan, this is the dumbest move of your political career. Tell us, what you were thinking?
Up 48 Down 7
yukoner123 on Mar 19, 2021 at 8:41 am
Classic, looking for a bigger better deal. But, he'll still slum with the muni's if he doesn't get in with the Libs.
Up 19 Down 52
BnR on Mar 19, 2021 at 8:10 am
FFS people, Dan Curtis is the mayor. He won the popular vote. You don't like it?
Too bad.
People complain about our politicians, but then you look at the comments sections and wonder why we don't get many good candidates. Who would want to? Well, maybe Wilf.....
Up 41 Down 7
Lost In the Yukon on Mar 18, 2021 at 11:06 pm
Typically a Leave of Absence without pay has to be approved by a Supervisor. Who is DandyDan’s supervisor ... who approved it? Did Council vote and give its approval? Or did the DD simply approve it himself ... no conflict there.
Up 15 Down 32
Yukoner on Mar 18, 2021 at 7:15 pm
Who cares, every other new candidate is going back to their old job if they don't get elected.
Up 47 Down 6
Skeptic on Mar 18, 2021 at 5:31 pm
Sure was looking forward to Dan being gone..
Up 27 Down 86
SH on Mar 18, 2021 at 3:55 pm
I see no issue. Dan clarified that he is not acting as mayor at this time. Therefore there is no conflict of interest.
Up 92 Down 10
Dave on Mar 18, 2021 at 3:19 pm
Dan is being a typical Liberal by waiting to see which way the wind blows. Talk about a lack of commitment to either the position he currently holds or the office he’s trying to get!
Up 60 Down 21
DL on Mar 18, 2021 at 2:45 pm
Shiftiness doesn't look good. What we really need is for each candidate to state how they will work on ending the lockdowns and mask mandates permanently. This is the most pressing and existential issue for all, as it deeply affects all aspects of our society.
Let's ask all candidates: When and how will you permanently end the lockdown and mask mandate?
They owe the voters a specific and honest answer.
Up 70 Down 13
North_of_60 on Mar 18, 2021 at 2:28 pm
Dangerous Deluded Dan has shown everyone he has no integrity. His political career is over. He should resign as Mayor immediately.
The Law of Holes clearly applies ---> "Nor would a wise man, seeing that he was in a hole, go to work and blindly dig it deeper…"
Up 85 Down 20
Matthew on Mar 18, 2021 at 2:06 pm
Get him out! Need a fresh face and mind as mayor. I say Samson Hartland for mayor! A man with real integrity as he was the ONLY one who didn't want a raise last year due to the fact so many unemployed from the plandemic which we all know of as Covid..
Up 52 Down 14
Liberally Pessimistic on Mar 18, 2021 at 1:40 pm
@JSmonk - I agree that things can get worse under another Liberal mandate. It is hard to believe, but it can. The Liberals are little more than sexist, racist autocrats of which one is provoked, by the shear will of their imposed sexist and racist policies under the guise of diversity, ironically based on the imposition of categorical constructs which are contrary to any valid notion of diversity; they are masters of replicating stupidity, discrimination, harassment, prejudice, and they demand it from everyone they believe is beneath them.
They are anti-democratic and pro—despotic. Everything they do is designed to lower the bar of humanity. It shows in the consequences of their imposed ideals. They are politicized criminal negligence!
Up 70 Down 11
Pokemeinthearm on Mar 18, 2021 at 1:09 pm
Yukon2015 nailed it on the head. It's lose, lose for the citizens of Whitehorse and the Yukon in general.
Let's hope the residents of the Whitehorse Center riding don't let Dan "fail upwards" as so, so many Yukon Government employees, managers and Deputy Ministers seem to have done during this Liberal mandate.
Up 48 Down 13
JSmonk on Mar 18, 2021 at 1:05 pm
Liberally Pessimistic - things can definitely get worse unless we put a stop to the regime currently governing the country.
People like Dan "call me they not the man" Curtis will only make the totalitarian state worse.
Up 67 Down 11
Olav on Mar 18, 2021 at 12:24 pm
The Whitehorse Center riding seems to haunt the Lib.’s.
First Tamara and her fraudulent voter attempt and now a double dipping Mayor.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/goeppel-election-guilty-plea-1.4802227
What is Sandy’s take on this? One would think that he would have something to say about double dipping.
You don't take “ a leave of absence” from an elected position. Good lord what next.
Up 37 Down 7
Liberally Pessimistic on Mar 18, 2021 at 10:29 am
JSmonk - Are we not concerned for the present integrity of the government? Does your statement suggest that things could get worse?
Up 77 Down 11
Max Mack on Mar 18, 2021 at 9:15 am
A leave of absence? As mayor, you are not a typical employee.
You are the top elected official of the capital city of the Yukon and have announced that you will be running as Liberal candidate in the Territorial election. It's bad enough that you have been using your position as Mayor to effectively campaign in advance of the election call.
The ONLY appropriate course of action is to immediately resign from your position as Mayor.
Up 63 Down 11
Adam Smith on Mar 17, 2021 at 11:05 pm
When he shows up at the door, who do I speak to? The next MLA or the next mayor? None of the above.
Up 53 Down 12
Mike Grieco on Mar 17, 2021 at 9:48 pm
Too privileged....High idle, zero miles/gallon. Hint - hint!
Up 56 Down 12
Salt on Mar 17, 2021 at 9:35 pm
Shameless.
Up 66 Down 8
Jim on Mar 17, 2021 at 8:57 pm
The result usually isn't pretty when you try to ride two horses at the same time, or straddle two sides of a picket fence... Seems like Dan can't really commit to either position - mayor or member of the legislature. If he's not sure what he wants, then I'm sure he's not what I want.
Up 58 Down 15
Wilf Carter on Mar 17, 2021 at 7:39 pm
He drove up the cost of operations of the city by 5 to 6% a year.
He told City residents that the new operation building project would cost $43.5 million when the real cost is at least $60 million and that does not include taking down the old building at $6 to $8 million dollars.
Does Curtis think Whitehorse residents and Yukon liberals think Yukoners are fools to vote them back in???
Up 65 Down 10
drum on Mar 17, 2021 at 5:34 pm
He is scared to lose a pay cheque.
Up 17 Down 68
Nathan Living on Mar 17, 2021 at 5:32 pm
I see nothing wrong with Dan's final approach to the territorial election.
He will take leave until the territorial election is complete and return as mayor if unsuccessful but not run again for mayor.
Good luck Dan.
Up 67 Down 8
Olav on Mar 17, 2021 at 5:25 pm
With these flip flop type of decisions- you will make a good Liberal.
Do the right thing-now- RESIGN as Mayor!
Up 65 Down 12
Charlie's Aunt on Mar 17, 2021 at 5:13 pm
Bye, bye Dan. Just go away, enough is enough.
Up 57 Down 9
Yukon2015 on Mar 17, 2021 at 4:22 pm
so if you win the election, WE LOSE
if you lose the election, WE LOSE
difficult choice we have
Up 62 Down 9
jack on Mar 17, 2021 at 4:08 pm
Wow, this is astonishingly open about keeping his snout in the trough one way or another.
Up 57 Down 9
Bud McGee on Mar 17, 2021 at 4:03 pm
Mayor Curtis is hedging his bets. It's one thing to win a municipal election with less than 30% of the electorate showing up and you're running against the likes of Mandeep Sidhu and Rick Karp. It's a totally different beast when you are running in a territorial election for a toxic brand like the Liberals.
Up 57 Down 7
Resident on Mar 17, 2021 at 4:03 pm
Not the first politician to walk back on this one. Doug Graham used to say municipal politicans should resign when they run for higher office, then refused to do so himself when he ran. Regardless if Dan isn't running again in October, it's complete crap that you can run for one office while safe in another. Either risk it and resign, or don't run until your term is up.
Up 18 Down 38
CJ2 on Mar 17, 2021 at 3:36 pm
If the Municipal Act doesn't require the mayor to step down, that is really all Dan Curtis could go on. Of course, perceived conflict of interest is another story.
I don't know if people should expect candidates to leave their jobs and settle for being unpaid when they run for office. I can see it would be an unlevel playing field, but it's also a disincentive for people to run and I dislike the holier than thou attitude. Rather than scold people maybe we could have a system that is less disruptive to people's careers when they take the plunge. While people might focus on the mayor position, I think there would be similar complaints no matter what the position is.
Anyway, good for Dan for taking the risk. Running for office in a small place like this doesn't seem like any picnic.
Up 67 Down 12
Juniper Jackson on Mar 17, 2021 at 3:29 pm
Dan has been a bit of a joke for a while now. He would not win a Territorial seat I don't think. But, he is sure trying to get the paycheck from both ends and he will continue to do that until we stop him. We voted for a clown, we got a circus.
Up 123 Down 14
Pokemeinthearm on Mar 17, 2021 at 2:58 pm
Dan, can you really blame anyone for being confused? Sounds like you've changed your mind more than you change your socks.
All that flip flopping sure doesn't make it look like you're confident you'll win the seat.
Please at least keep the promise that if you lose in the general election, you'll not take another crack at trying to be Mayor. You'd likely lose that race to either of the two fine folks who've put their names forward to run to lead our municipal government anyway.
Up 109 Down 17
JSmonk on Mar 17, 2021 at 2:54 pm
Seems highly suspect of the lieberal party to being double dipping like this.
Makes me concerned for the future integrity of our government.
Up 119 Down 14
Patrick on Mar 17, 2021 at 2:52 pm
Dan is clearly all about Dan.
If he can't see the horrible optics on this issue imagine him dropping the ball on a Territorial level.
As soon as the writ dropped he should have had a plan in place to step aside.
Also, why are the photos on his campaign signs from 10 years (and 10 stone) ago?
Up 118 Down 13
Vertn Schlimbesser on Mar 17, 2021 at 2:41 pm
Integrity - the practice of being honest and showing a consistent and uncompromising adherence to strong moral and ethical principles and values. In ethics, integrity is regarded as the honesty and truthfulness or accuracy of one's actions...
If a man pursues his own interests without embarrassment or restraint there is no integrity. Dan is also probably the person most responsible for trying to replicate the spending habits of his bigger buddies at YTG and Feds at COW.