A long-time Victoria city councillor wants to be the city’s next mayor.
On Tuesday, three-term Coun. Marianne Alto officially confirmed her intention to run for the position and vie for votes in the upcoming municipal election.
A businesswoman active in community causes for decades, Alto currently serves as council liaison to the Burnside Gorge neighbourhood.
“For some time now, a broad range of Victorians have asked me to consider running for mayor,” she said in a Tuesday statement.
“I have been listening carefully, reflecting on their advice and concerns while concentrating on the demands of the day doing my job as a councillor.”
After a successful by-election run, Alto claimed her seat on council in 2010 and, looking back through the years, finds Victoria has grown from a “big town” into a “thriving city.”
But with that comes complex and urban challenges, according to Alto.
“Meeting those challenges requires balance, leadership, experience, and the courage to make tough decisions,” she added, pointing to her background in local politics.
SEE ALSO: Victoria councillor Stephen Andrew announces his intention to run for city mayor in 2022
Alto’s campaign priorities include further addressing climate change, continuing to pave a path of Reconciliation with Indigenous Nations, and investing to spruce up Victoria’s curb appeal.
“In the days and months ahead, I look forward to talking about these ideas, and others, in more detail with people on their doorsteps and in neighbourhoods throughout the city,” said Alto.
“I welcome the opportunity to listen and speak to residents one by one, and to explore together how we will continue to build a city for everyone.”
Voters head to the polls this October
Victoria’s 2022 municipal election is scheduled for October 15th, with a city council shakeup imminent.
Last fall, Mayor Lisa Helps announced she wouldn’t be seeking re-election this year, meaning Alto now joins fellow councillor Stephen Andrew in the race to serve as her successor.
Coun. Andrew announced his intention to run in November, saying he promises to listen to Victoria residents and make decisions based on the greater good—not just on special interests.
“After being given broad support in all areas from groups across Victoria, I have been encouraged to seek the mayor’s job,” said Andrew.
Meanwhile, in April, first-term Coun. Sharmarke Dubow said he wouldn’t be seeking re-election this fall, as entrepreneur and filmmaker Krista Loughton stepped forward as a candidate for council last Tuesday.
“I will advocate for real pragmatic solutions that will lead us forward,” said Loughton.
