Brad Woodside leans toward running again in 2016

Fredericton Mayor Brad Woodside is leaning toward running again in 2016 despite saying in the 2012 campaign that the current term would be his last.

Woodside is the city's longest-serving mayor, currently serving his eighth term in office. At the start of the 2012 campaign, Woodside said an eighth term would be his final term, but he's softened that stance now.

"I had no idea four years ago when I said in all probability this could be my last, I had no idea about, you know,the passion, theenergy, your health, all of those things," said Woodside on CBC's Information Morning Fredericton on Wednesday.

"If you take one of those things from that triangle, it just doesn't happen."

Woodsidesaid he is "blessed" with good health,energy anda passion to continue in his role.

"I'm really thinking about it. I haven't decided yet 100 per cent," he said.

Leading up to the 2012 municipal election, Woodside said he had achieved most of his goals.

"After 10 termson council, as I've said quite publicly that in all possibility that it could be my last term. Ithink I've done what I can do, Ihave given it all the passion that I can," Woodside said on April 23, 2012.

"Yes there is a little bit left that Iwant to accomplish and then I will be happy to pass the reins on to someone else."

Woodside said he will announce in January whether he will run again in May's municipal elections for a ninth term as mayor.