Andy Wells
Encyclopedia
Andrew Wells is a Canadian politician who served as the 13th mayor of St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
, Canada
.
He graduated from Prince of Wales College
in 1961 and later obtained a Bachelor of Arts History and Bachelor of Arts Education degree in 1966 and 1969, respectively. He was elected as a councillor in 1977, and served on the St. John's City Council till he resigned as Mayor in 2008.
Wells attracted considerable media attention in Newfoundland and Labrador
and other parts of Canada
due to his gruff, outspoken personality. He appeared on the Rick Mercer Report
as a nominee for "Craziest Mayor in Canada." He is noted for many scandals such as various insults to other council members.
In 1998, Wells flew the Tibetan flag as a protest of the Chinese occupation of Tibet during a visit by a Chinese delegation.
Wells has also been an object of controversy regarding neighbouring communities. He is famous for wanting to amalgamate its sister city, Mount Pearl
. His most notable saying is "bring it on, I have never backed down from a good fight".
On February 19, 2008, Wells announced that he would step down from the mayoral position on March 3. Wells was attempting to delay his departure long enough so the city of St. John's would not have to run a by-election that Wells claimed would cost the city $400,000.
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
St. John's is the capital and largest city in Newfoundland and Labrador, and is the oldest English-founded city in North America. It is located on the eastern tip of the Avalon Peninsula on the island of Newfoundland. With a population of 192,326 as of July 1, 2010, the St...
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
.
He graduated from Prince of Wales College
Prince of Wales College
Prince of Wales College is a former university college, which was located in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada. PWC merged with St. Dunstan's University in 1969 to form the University of Prince Edward Island....
in 1961 and later obtained a Bachelor of Arts History and Bachelor of Arts Education degree in 1966 and 1969, respectively. He was elected as a councillor in 1977, and served on the St. John's City Council till he resigned as Mayor in 2008.
Mayor of St. John's
He was first elected as the city's mayor in 1997, and was re-elected in 2001 and 2005.Wells attracted considerable media attention in Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador is the easternmost province of Canada. Situated in the country's Atlantic region, it incorporates the island of Newfoundland and mainland Labrador with a combined area of . As of April 2011, the province's estimated population is 508,400...
and other parts of Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
due to his gruff, outspoken personality. He appeared on the Rick Mercer Report
Rick Mercer Report
Rick Mercer Report is a Canadian television comedy series which airs on CBC Television...
as a nominee for "Craziest Mayor in Canada." He is noted for many scandals such as various insults to other council members.
In 1998, Wells flew the Tibetan flag as a protest of the Chinese occupation of Tibet during a visit by a Chinese delegation.
Wells has also been an object of controversy regarding neighbouring communities. He is famous for wanting to amalgamate its sister city, Mount Pearl
Mount Pearl
Mount Pearl is the second largest city in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The city is located southwest of St. John's, on the eastern tip of the Avalon Peninsula on the island of Newfoundland. Mount Pearl is part of the St...
. His most notable saying is "bring it on, I have never backed down from a good fight".
Resignation
In 2008, Wells was appointed Chair and Chief Executive Office of the provincial public utilities board, which oversees power, water, waste, etc., for towns and cities. Controversy arose soon after when Wells refused to resign his position as mayor, citing reasons such as higher costs for a by-election or a lack of legislation against it. Many believed a conflict-of-interest would result, and that Wells would not be objective in his decisions. Most of the controversy was settled, however, when on February 12, Premier Williams released a statement saying that while he still believed Wells could perform both tasks, he would be delaying Wells' appointment until after he resigns as mayor.On February 19, 2008, Wells announced that he would step down from the mayoral position on March 3. Wells was attempting to delay his departure long enough so the city of St. John's would not have to run a by-election that Wells claimed would cost the city $400,000.