Gray mulls return to politics

by Wayne Moore - CASTANET Aug 25, 2011 / 9:30 am

It would be a battle for the ages - one UFC President Dana White would surely like to promote.Walter Gray is contemplating a return to politics and another crack at the Kelowna mayor's chair. Gray, 70, was a Kelowna alderman for four years (1986-1990) before serving as mayor for nine years (1996-2005). His bid for a fourth term was derailed by Sharon Shepherd, who upset Gray in 2005 by nearly 2,300 votes. Gray says he is being encouraged to run for mayor but admits he has not made a decision one way or another. "Pressure isn't the right word for it. I'm getting enthusiastic encouragement," says Gray. "People are telling me they hope I run, they wish I would run, or 'please consider it'. I guess I'm being influenced by that to the extent that I am saying I better give this one some final thought." "I will have done that, I would think, in the next week." Gray says he is not leaning one way or another. "I'm just analyzing the opportunity. You make a list: 'what are the reasons not to do it' would be personal, and the reasons to do it would be because I think I could do a job."(more)