Tait@noon - a parting gift for Mayor Mandel - UPDATED WITH PICTURES

In many ways, the time seems right.

 Stephen Mandel announced just seconds after 11 a.m. Tuesday he will not run for a fourth term. Now, the downtown arena project is set in stone, thanks to last week’s city council ratifying the agreement, Mandel feels it’s time to retire.

Maybe, he doesn’t have the strength — physically and mentally — for another monumental project, namely the downtown arena project.

But he’s 67. It’s time, perhaps, for him to share some time with his family. Maybe travel. Or walk in Edmonton’s river valley, look all around him, and feel the pride of the city help build.

Mandel goes out on top, with many wanting him to run for another term — one he’d probably win.

The big question now is who will guide Edmonton come fall when the next civic election rolls around.

But let’s not worry about that today.

Let’s celebrate and honor a man who has shared his vision with us; a man who has shown compassion, toughness and boldness.

Mandel deserves a parting gift, something that will mirror his work as mayor.

Maybe, a new road around the downtown arena. Call it Mandel Way.

Because that’s how he made Edmonton grow.