Former St. John's mayor Andy Wells has died

Former St. John's mayor Andy Wells has died.

Wells served the citizens of St. John’s for 31 years, from 1977 to 2008. He served as a member of Council from Dec 1977 to Nov 1990; as Deputy Mayor from Dec 1990 to Oct 1997; and, as the Mayor from Oct 1997 to March 2008.

Mayor Danny Breen said in a statement that flags at City hall and all City-owned buildings will be lowered to half-mast.

Wells attracted considerable media attention due to his outspoken personality.

On March 3, 2008, Wells became head of the Public Utilities Board. He was suspended from this position in 2017 as a result of criticisms against the St. John's City Council sent from his government email.

Wells announced in August 2017, that he would run for Mayor of St. John's. He lost the mayoral election to Breen, winning 33.09 percent of the vote to Breen's 53.19 percent.