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Halifax Mayor Peter Kelly announced Wednesday that he will not be seeking re-election in October.

Kelly admitted that he occasionally stumbled during his 12 years in office, including his handling of the estate of an old friend who died more than seven years ago.

He also told CTV Atlantic's Rick Grant that the long hours he devoted to being mayor have taken a heavy toll on his personal life.

"When you focus on one thing and that's the job, 90 hours a week before anything else, then other things suffer," he said.

Kelly began his political career in 1985 at the age of 28 as a Bedford councillor, ten years before the amalgamation of the Halifax Regional Municipality.

He said his stint as mayor cost him his marriage, and at one point, it became clear that walking away would be an emotional decision.

"I just think after 27 years, one has to realize everybody has a shelf life and everybody knows there's a time to move on."

Today's announcement came amidst controversy surrounding Kelly's role as the executor of a friend's estate.

Mary Thibeault died Dec. 7, 2004 and appointed Kelly as the executor of her will.

But he missed deadlines to file papers at probate court and today he spoke about the case for the first time.

"Not to find fault or blame by being tardy in this process, with the outcome of this particular job and what it entails and requires, sometimes other things get lost along the way and don't get the attention they should have gotten."

Many of the heirs and beneficiaries have not received their share of the $500,000 estate and in a letter to the probate court last month, one of the beneficiaries alleged Thibeault's wishes were not fulfilled by Kelly.

"As per the instructions of Mrs. Thibeault, her wishes will be fulfilled and everybody will certainly have what she wanted them to have," he told CTV News. "It (the money) is in the hands of the lawyers. They will take that direction. Everything is there."

Kelly identified another major political stumble during his 12 years as mayor – the cash-for-concerts scandal and he admitted it could have been dealt with better than it was.

He also said he was aware that he was about to face the toughest mayoralty campaign of his career and would have to face the issues surrounding the concert scandal and Mary Thibeault's will, among others.

Kelly was presented with some stiff competition, supported by some high-profile backers, in candidate Mike Savage. Members from all three political parties are supporting the former Liberal MP, along with many pollsters and business leaders.

Mike Savage released his own statement today, in reaction to the news.

"Mayor Peter Kelly has devoted many years to public life," said Savage in the release. "I have always acknowledged his commitment to this municipality, and his work ethic on behalf of the citizens of the Halifax area.

We owe him thanks for his service."

Kelly said he realized it was time to step back and take a new direction. He also noted that politics and political campaigns have changed.

"It's troubling. It gets too personal…it's getting more like the States' politics and I think we need to be clear that people need to stay with the issues."

As for his future plans, he said they aren't clear right now. He has only decided he simply won't be running again.

Public reaction to the news

The news spread like a wildfire today as Kelly's supporters and adversaries took to social media sites. CTV News spoke to people on the streets of Halifax and their reactions varied.

"I think we need some fresh ideas and better leadership," said one Halifax-area resident.

"Municipal politicians work harder than any other politician," said another.

"I think he's got the right idea not to re-elect," said a third.

Radio talk show host Rick Howe has covered municipal elections for most of Kelly's career and he says public opinion of the mayor has changed significantly over the past four years.

"For the first term the mayor got a bit of a free ride," said Howe. "This has not been an easy term and public opinion has swayed."

Halifax businessman Victor Syperek ran against Kelly in 2004. He wanted a new mayor back then and feels the same way today.

"He's afraid to go out on a limb for causes that should be fought for, like empty lots, downtown development and progress," said Syperek.

Coun. Bob Harvey has known Kelly since he was a child. He says the mayor devoted 27 years of life to public politics and that shouldn't be forgotten.

"You've have your turn, made your contributions and it's time for change," he said.

Kelly said he intends to complete his term, which ends in October.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Rick Grant and Kelland Sundahl