Edmonton’s mayor is keeping mum on his election plans for 2013, but he says a change in council term length may affect his decision.

The provincial government recently introduced legislation to make future council mandates a four-year term, which means a longer commitment from each councillor — as well as Mayor Stephen Mandel.

“Four years is a long time. It’s one year longer than three,” joked Mandel during a sit-down with the Edmonton Sun Tuesday.

“But, yes, it has an impact.”

Mandel says it’s been so busy at city hall — with budget and arena debates — he hasn’t had a chance to sit down and really think about whether or not he wants to run for office again.

“I don’t know. We’ve gone through a very busy fall with various issues,” he said.

“I think in early 2013 I’ll make a decision and make an announcement in around February.”

There are several major projects he’d like to see “solidified” before he throws in the mayoral towel, including the proposed downtown arena and the south east LRT line — among others.

And though he’s not interested in forging his own “personal legacy” as mayor, he is hoping to leave one for the City of Champions.

“I don’t think it’s my job to determine my legacy,” he said. “But, the one legacy I want for Edmonton is that people will look at our city in a different way.”

He hopes to help residents gain a sense of pride and ownership that can resonate amongst Edmontonians, and he says he feels a shift towards that mentality already.

“I believe it’s changing,” he said. “It’s time to stop selling ourselves short.”

His internal election debate may have to wait, however.

After spending the Christmas holidays at home with family — including his new grandson — he’ll be jetting off to China in the new year on some big, city business.

Mandel says while he’s there, he will lead a delegation of business representatives in a week long session to expand trade opportunities for Edmonton.

One of those opportunities is the possibility of Edmonton sharing its “intellectual property” in waste management work — particularly garbage collection systems — with other cities.

Also on the agenda for the trip is a winter cities’ conference meeting with Harbin officials.

“We are trying to promote winter cities and then we’ll do some tourism in Shanghai,” said Mandel. “But first, Christmas dinner at home.”

angelique.rodrigues@sunmedia.ca