Two others mulling mayor run; four-way election race possible
A current and a former Colwood councillor have confirmed they'll run for the mayor's seat in November, while two others are on the fence.
Coun. Brian Tucknott and former councillor Carol Hamilton announced this week they will vie for the top job.
Current mayor Dave Saunders announced earlier this summer that he won’t see re-election after one term at the helm, citing a desire to spend more time with his family.
Hamilton ran against Saunders in the 2008 election, when they were both single term councillors. She was defeated by 300 votes.
Tucknott said if he's elected mayor, there will be no municipal tax increases during his term. “Municipal tax has gone up 30 per cent in the last three years, which is concerning to me,” he said. “It's something that can't continue."
In 2009 and 2010 taxes spiked in the municipality after Royal Bay industrial lands were reclassified to commercial-residential and RCMP costs shot up, creating a $1.6 million hole in Colwood’s budget.
Hamilton is also concerned about large tax increases, but said she isn't one for campaign promises.
"They're just empty words," she said. "I don't think people are opposed to taxes if they can see their money is being spent responsibly."
One thing she could commit to is a long-term commitment to her role as mayor. She said she's interested in serving successive terms.
"It's hard for a City to change leaders frequently," she said. "What Colwood needs is stability and consistency that the neighbouring communities have from long-serving mayors."
Coun. Judith Cullington knows she wants to continue representing Colwood and is debating between running for mayor or for a second term as councillor.
Former councillor Jason Nault, who retired his position last election, may also put his name forward for mayor.
The only councillor who has confirmed he'll run again is Ernie Robertson, Colwood's longest serving current councillor, who will seek a sixth term.
Coun. Shaun Wysiecki confirmed he won't run for a second term, as he wants to focus on his career at Coast Capital Savings.
Cynthia Day and Gordie Logan, both veteran councillors, haven't yet revealed their intentions for the Nov. 19 election.
Candidates have until Oct. 14 to submit their nomination papers.
Municipal elections are Nov. 19.