Brian Loverin has backed out of the running for a council seat.
"In my commitment to bring integrity to our community, I am stepping down as a candidate for council," he said in a news release Friday afternoon.
Loverin, a real estate agent with Macdonald Realty, had taken some heat on social media over his profession. Commenters pointed out that it could create conflicts of interest, as councillors often must make decisions on development projects.
The Community Charter states that local elected officials cannot vote on, nor participate in discussions about, items where they have a direct or indirect interest — a chance of financial gain — that the rest of the community does not.
Therefore, because Loverin could stand to gain as a real estate agent from each proposed development brought to council, he would have to either step away from his career while serving as a councillor or recuse himself each time a development was brought up in the chamber.
"After considering the role and responsibilities involved, I see a conflict of interest with my current business," Loverin said.
"Regardless of how I’d contribute, council or not, you can count on me to stand for this vision through creating partnerships, transformation and contributing at community events that bring us all together," he added.
Sept. 14 is the deadline for council candidates to submit their papers to municipal hall.
Election day is Oct. 20.
