THUNDER BAY – Embattled Thunder Bay Mayor Keith Hobbs has confirmed he plans to return to office next month.
Hobbs is in the midst a self-requested three-month leave of absence, taken after it was announced he had been charged with obstruction of justice and extortion.
“I plan to go back to work well before my leave expires. I was elected for the term of 2014 to 2018. I intend on finishing my full term,” he said, reached by text on Friday.
First elected in a landslide in 2010, Hobbs was returned to office again in 2014.
According to a pair of sources inside city hall, the mayor emailed councillors to inform them of his decision.
Hobbs took a three-month leave of absence in July when the charges, which have not been proven in court, were laid.
Under the Municipal Act, elected officials can take up to three months leave without penalty. At that point they must return to duty, seek an extension or resign -- or council could declare the seat vacant and move to replace.
Hobbs is expected to appear in court next on Tuesday, with wife Marissa, who is also facing extortion charges.
