View Royal Coun. David Screech is the first person to throw his name into the hat for the top spot of mayor in this November's municipal election.
Screech, whose announcement last week came one day after Mayor Graham Hill announced he would not be seeking re-election, says Hill's decision was definitely influential.
"I think with him stepping down, I saw an opportunity to step up," the councillor said.
Screech brings experience to the table, having served on the municipal council since 2002, when Hill was elected mayor. He's also View Royal's representative on the Capital Regional District arts committee, a board member of the West Shore Parks and Recreation Society and the alternate CRD director for the town.
"I'm familiar with the operations of the CRD and I know a lot of people throughout the region," Screech said. "In terms of collaborative decision making – which needs to happen through the region – I can help with that."
Owner of Gregg's Furniture & Upholstery for the past 14 years, Screech said having supportive, long-term staff, which includes his wife and son, would give him the freedom to devote himself to the job of mayor while still being involved in his business.
"My wife Jean, in particular, is very supportive," he said.
This is Screech's first run at a higher level of office, and he's excited for the challenge. He said he has the utmost respect for Mayor Hill's leadership, and hopes "to be able to carry on the good work that we have done collectively as a council during his tenure."
Screech's campaign is already up and running, with a website in the works and plans to start knocking on doors, though no opposition has yet been declared.
"It's a little difficult until you know who your opponents are," he said. "But I will start getting out there."
Mayor and council hopefuls have until Oct. 10 to file their intentions to run for office with the Town of View Royal.
acowan@goldstreamgazette.com