With the nomination deadline looming, a flurry of new candidates have announced their intention to run for mayor and city council.
Bruce Fader, Alex Huber and Brandon Lewis have joined incumbent Mayor Dan Rogers and councillor Shari Green in the race for mayor.
Fader, owner of the Delivery Ahoy! delivery service, said he would bring a new approach to taxation for major projects.
"Central to my platform is the introduction of elective taxation. There would be a list on the property tax form with the capital projects for the year. Taxpayers could chose the ones they want to support," Fader said.
He would support efforts to beautify the city, promote tourism and put permanent flood control measures in place if elected, he said.
Fader has lived in Prince George the majority of his life, he said, and spent 23 years working in security. He owned a local security patrol company for five years.
Huber works with Ahmed and Co. accountants in Prince George. One of his nominators was Jeanne Clough, Cariboo-Prince George MP Dick Harris' executive assistant. He could not be reached as of press time.
Lewis could not be reached as of press time for comment. His nomination papers show he works for AVF Home Improvements.
Three more enter council race
Travis Shaw, John Beebe and Tony Ferreira are the three latest candidates to seek a seat on city council.
Shaw, also known as semiprofessional drag queen Foxy de Rossi, said he hopes to bring a community focus to city council. Shaw has been recognized in Prince George for his work promoting acceptance and tolerance of gay and transgendered youth.
"I've been doing that for over 10 years now. I look forward to working more in the community," he said.
Shaw said he expects to face some challenges as an openly gay, 27-year old aboriginal
person.
"But I also have the support of the gay community, the aboriginal community and the general public," Shaw said. "I look forward to working in the
community."
City council needs to do more to promote community events and engage young people, he added.
Salesman, former Tim Hortons manager and ultra-marathon runner John Beebe wants to bring a business approach to City Hall.
"Over the years the financial responsibility at the city seems to be flipping back and forth. I'm a little bit frustrated with the way things are going," he said.
Beebe said he also believes city council should be more responsive to the wishes of the people.
"I'm a listener. I'd be out there to talk to people myself," Beebe said. "My opinion is city council should do what the people want, not go with their own agendas."
Ferreira is the owner of AVF Home Improvements.
He could not be reached as of press time.
