The race to be mayor of Castlegar is officially underway. A city councillor has formally announced she’ll take on incumbent mayor Lawrence Chernoff for the job.
“It is time for change and I am ready and most definitely up to the challenge,” said Deb McIntosh Monday morning. “I, alongside those elected, will work hard for the citizens and business community of Castlegar.”
McIntosh, the administrator for the Castlegar and District Heritage Society and a founding member of the local food bank and homeless shelter, said her 16 years on council has prepared her for leadership.
“I have had many discussions with a variety of people over the years and feel that this is the right time,” she said. “My partner, Chris, is supportive and knows that serving my community is where my heart is.”
McIntosh said she felt Castlegar is heading in a good direction, but needs to be more open and willing to “broaden our horizons”.
“We need to listen more and talk less. We as a collective need to be ahead of the curve to make sure that our Castlegar businesses are in the best possible place,” she said. “We need to assure that Castlegar is desirable for relocations while still being affordable.”
She’ll be trying to unseat Lawrence Chernoff, who has been mayor since 2005.
Another councillor, Dan Rye, has hinted he may run for mayor but has not officially declared.
Nomination papers for both mayor and council will be accepted from September 4-14. The municipal election is on October 20.