Two people have announced their intent to seek the office of the mayor now that the incumbent has announced he will not seek re-election in November.
Town councillor Steve Price and Sidney businessman Steve Duck say they will seek the mayor's chair in the 2014 municipal election. Larry Cross, the current mayor, announced earlier this month that he will not seek re-election after three terms on council. Cross cited health concerns and a desire to spend time with family as reasons for ending his political career.
Price has been on council for six years, or two terms of office. He has received the endorsement and support for his bid for mayor from Cross and councillors Marilyn Loveless, Mervyn Lougher-Goodey, Kenny Podmore and Melissa Hailey.
"I am honoured and humbled to have so much support this early in the campaign,” said Price in a media release on Aug. 21.
Price said he will be seeking the job in the fall and basing his campaign on the strong footing established by the council over the last six years. Price added he supports the ongoing work of the Mayor's Task Force on downtown revitalization, established this year by Cross. Price is also a strong proponent of a new pedestrian overpass of Highway 17 near Beacon Avenue.
Duck, the owner of TIDESgroup, a destination marketing and events planning business in Sidney, announced his bid on Aug. 20. He is encouraging residents of Sidney to be active in this fall's municipal election.
"Please no not lose sight of the importance of the next three months to find the right seven people to lead our Town's future," he stated in a media release.
Duck, who has been actively involved in the creation of a new business improvement association in Sidney's downtown, is also a supporter and member of Save Our Sidney (SOS). This group has been opposed to current council's handling of downtown traffic issues, most notably their position that Beacon Avenue must return to a two-way traffic configuration. Current council has stated it will not change the current mixed-one way and two way pattern of the main street.
Duck stated his focus will be on economic growth, affordable hosing development, culture and recreation.
"I have demonstrated my commitment to Sidney as the place to live and the destination to come to," he said.
Nomination forms for the 2014 municipal election are now available at the Town of Sidney office. The election takes place Nov. 15.
Watch the Peninsula News Review for detailed election coverage.