Ivan Bonnell is running for council.
The former long-time councillor (1988-1999) and one-term mayor (1999-2002) is planning to make another run for a seat at the municipal council table.
“Like every resident of the community I have concerns about what’s going on not only in the community but in the broader world at large that effects our community,” said Bonnell in making his announcement public Wednesday.
Bonnell says he made his decision this summer, thinking he’s got both time and experience and believes that he can make a contribution to solving some of the community’s challenges. He cited community concerns around municipal finances, taxation, development processes, as well as concerns about the economic status of the region and relationships with stakeholders as reasons to re-engage in local politics.
In the 10 years since he was last at the municipal table, Bonnell says much has changed including provincial policies that have impacted local resource management, care for seniors, and land use.
“I don’t believe the community has been well served in any of those areas by provincial decisions,” he said.
The transfer of funds between the federal, provincial and municipal governments also needs to reconsidered, Bonnell added.
“We can’t tax the tax base anymore. There’s nothing more to get out of the stone. We need to share the wealth differently with the senior levels of government.”