Brantford's mayor resigning after 6 years to join Ontario tribunal
After six years as mayor of Brantford, Kevin Davis announced he's resigning by the end of this month to join Ontario's Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT).
In a statement on Facebook, Davis says his new appointment is "a once-in-a-career opportunity" that allows him to return to his roots as a lawyer.
"With only 18 months remaining in my second four-year term, the timing of this transition feels ideal," he said.
"I had already made the decision not to seek a third term, and this new role presents an exciting opportunity to continue serving the public, albeit in a different role, while allowing me to focus on personal priorities."
Davis's office declined an interview request on Wednesday. However, he told the Brantford Expositor that facing harassment while in office was also a factor in his decision.
"As an elected official, you become the target of a lot of harassment and abuse, and I really worry about the future," he told the newspaper.
Cites achievements as mayor
The LAT adjudicates applications and resolves disputes concerning compensation claims and licensing activities regulated by the province. Davis said he expects to assume the duties in August.
"Even as I step into this new chapter, my commitment to Brantford remains unwavering," he said.
"I will continue to champion our city both here and across Ontario, working to raise the brand of this amazing community and ensure its prosperous future."
Davis's statement also mentions several significant achievements throughout his two terms.
They include the construction of a Costco, the repurposing of the federal building into the new city hall, the extensive upgrading and redevelopment of over 26 city parks, and the development of a strategy to build supportive housing.
He also oversaw the OHL's Bulldogs move from Hamilton to Brantford for the 2023-24 season that was prompted by the long-term closure of FirstOntario Centre.
Reacting to Davis's job move, PC MPP Will Bouma, who represents Brantford—Brant riding, said in a statement that the province and Brantford have had a "strong, collaborative and close relationship" during his time as mayor.
Bouma's post on X, formerly Twitter, also detailed some of Davis's accomplishments in politics and said he served Brantford "with distinction."
Davis, who was mayor throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, was first elected in 2018 and re-elected for a second term in 2022 by a margin of 208 votes.
Prior to becoming mayor, Davis worked as a lawyer for over 35 years and served as an alderman for Ward 2 between 1985 and 1991. He was a previous governor of Mohawk College and a past president of the Brantford-Brant Chamber of Commerce.
The Ontario Sunshine List indicates Davis's salary was $120,657.49 in 2023, with $6,206.84 in taxable benefits.
