Former Halifax Mayor Peter Kelly named Charlottetown’s CAO

Former Halifax Mayor Peter Kelly has been named Charlottetown’s new CAO.

Former Halifax Mayor Peter Kelly beat out 56 other applicants to become Charlottetown’s new chief administrative officer.

“I want to work with a strong council and strong staff to improve and increase the quality of life,” said Kelly.

Kelly is best-known as Halifax's longest-serving mayor, but after deciding not to re-offer in 2012, Kelly went west to take a job as CAO in Westlock County, Alb.

That contract was in up in February.

Kelly won't officially take over until the current CAO retires on May 1st, but he may already be planning some changes. He's discussed bringing a charter to the island's capital city.

“That charter gives the city extra powers, but it also gives the city extra revenue, and those are types of things to me that are exciting,” said Charlottetown Mayor Clifford Lee.

Kelly's time in Halifax was tinged with scandal near the end of his term, with some criticizing his handling of a Bedford, N.S. woman’s estate, and cash for concerts scandal.

“I think he did a fantastic job for the citizens of Halifax,” said Lee. “Did he make any mistakes? Probably. There's not one of us in public life that can say we've never made a mistake.”

Kelly has been spotted out and about in Halifax in recent weeks, but says he isn't eyeing another run at the mayor’s office.

“At the end of the day, I had to make the choice that's best at this time, and I'm making the choice to go to Charlottetown,” he said.

Kelly could make up to $134,000 in the new position.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Cami Kepke.