Gloria McCluskey retires at 85 more in love with Dartmouth than ever

The unofficial queen of Dartmouth is officially hanging up her crown.

After 23 years in politics, Gloria McCluskey is not re-offering and will retire after Saturday's municipal election, but she says it won't be an easy transition for her.

"It feels wonderful but I'm very sad. I don't want to go. I'd like to stay for another 30 years, but I don't think he'll let me," she said, looking up at the sky.

The 85-year-old spent Tuesday morning at the Dartmouth Common handing out homemade pickles to gardeners who planted a garden in her honour, before heading to an event at Alderney Landing to thank her for her years of service.

"I loved every day. Great staff to work with, a lot of fun, a lot of hard work and helping people. That was the great part of it. Whenever you can help somebody, it feels so good," she said.

Throughout her political career, McCluskey has been an outspoken advocate for Dartmouth, but her political maneuvering was not without its fair share of controversy.

• Gloria McCluskey rapped by judge for bias in unsightly premises case

Last mayor of Dartmouth

McCluskey began her political career as an alderman in Dartmouth before becoming mayor in 1992, a seat she held until amalgamation in 1996.

After an 8-year break from politics, she was elected councillor of District 5 of the Halifax Regional Municipality and spent more than a decade defending the city she loved.

"Her commitment and her love and her passion for her city are well known," said Halifax Mayor Mike Savage. "The thing that people may not know is that she really is a softie at heart.

Advocate for Dartmouth

McCluskey says she always had a reputation for standing up for the little people and even though she's retiring, she still plans to be remain an advocate for the people of Dartmouth.

"They have to have somebody to stand up for them and even when I'm retired now, I'll be watching out for people like that," she said.

McCluskey says the secret to working until 85 is her positive attitude and her love of helping people.