By Gary McKenna - The Tri-City News Published: September 26, 2008
Port Coquitlam Mayor Scott Young said he is still considering all his options before he decides whether to run for re-election in the November civic campaign. And the embattled politician also said he has not ruled out seeking a different office, suggesting that even a council or school board position is still under consideration. “I haven’t discounted any of my options,” Young told The Tri-City News. “Whether it is [running] for mayor or council or school board, or not running at all, I haven’t made any concrete decisions.” If he were to run, Young said he believes people would see past his legal troubles and look at what he has contributed to the community. Earlier this summer, Young pleaded guilty and was sentenced on three criminal charges stemming from an incident with his former girlfriend in April 2007. He pleaded guilty to two counts of assault and one breach of recognizance. He originally faced seven criminal charges after an incident at the home of his former girlfriend, Colleen Preston, but the other four charges — criminal harassment, break and enter with intent, and two counts of breach of an undertaking — were stayed. “I think that is in the past,” he said. “I am not going to live in the past. I recognize in my private life I have made mistakes and I have taken measures to correct that. “More importantly, I think people will look at my professional record and it is one that has received very little criticism in terms of my accomplishments for the city.”
Young told The Tri-City News that he would spend the weeks leading up to the nomination deadline consulting with family and supporters before making his final decision. He said he has received a lot of encouragement from members of the community to run again this fall. Current councillor and mayoral candidate Mike Bowen was cautious when asked to comment on Young’s plans. He said he would encourage and support anyone who wishes to throw their name into the ring and it is up to the voters to decide who is best for the job. “If they are elected you have to work with that person potentially,” Bowen said. “You can’t be putting up barriers... We don’t decide, it is the public that decides.” Another mayoral candidate, Coun. Greg Moore, concurred with Bowen, saying he was not surprised Young is still considering a potential run for re-election. “If he wants to put his name forward, fine,” said Moore. “Let the electorate decide.”
YOUNG’S SENTENCE
Mayor Young is serving a one-year conditional sentence, which will be followed by 18 months probation. Until next July, he must abide by several conditions that include:
• keep the peace and be of good behaviour;• abstain from consuming alcohol or drugs;• abstain from owning, possessing or carrying a weapon;• perform 60 hours of community service;• complete counselling as directed;• have no contact with Colleen Preston, her family, or Glen Shaw;• stay 500 metres away from the home and workplaces of Preston, her family and Glen Shaw;• and submit a DNA sample.
Young must also abide by a strict curfew and be at home between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., except for the second and fourth Mondays of each month for regularly scheduled council meetings. On those days, he’ll abide by a 10:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew. Conditions of Young’s 18-month probation are largely the same except he will not have a curfew.
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