Owen Sound Councillor Deb Haswell has decided to run for the Mayor’s office in this October’s municipal election.
Haswell filed her nomination papers this morning to run against incumbent Ruth Lovell Stanners and community advocate Ray Botten.
Haswell tells Bayshore Broadcasting News she feels the time is right after spending the last 13 years as City Councillor.
Haswell admits she has been thinking about running for the Mayor’s office for the last 4 years — and even thought about it before the last municipal election.
Haswell believes she has the experience to tackle the challenges that face Owen Sound — to make the City grow and to improve the quality of life for residents.
She points to her 13 years on City Council, as well as her experience on Grey County Council and as Chair of the Small Urban Caucus for AMO.
The Owen Sound businesswoman will focus on the tax rate in her election campaign.
Haswell feels residential and business taxes are too high and she doesn’t think the City is getting its fair share of provincial funding to help lower the tax rate.
Haswell says the City has not been vocal enough and has not presented its case effectively to the Ontario government.
She also feels her experience dealing with provincial politicians and bureaucrats will help Owen Sound access more funding.
Haswell also wants the next Council to focus more on seniors by assigning a Seniors Advisory Committee as an official Committee of Council.
She feels Owen Sound is moving in the right direction — but adds it still has not reached its potential.
Haswell says she has the energy, time and fresh approach to commit to running for Mayor in October’s election.
