Mayor Dan Rogers unveiled his reelection platform before a small crowd of family, friends and supporters on Wednesday night.
Rogers has made no secret about his intention to run for a second term in office and sixth on city council.
"We have raised the bar in ensuring we are a clean, safe and healthy city. We have also significantly improved the state of downtown," Rogers said. "I'm looking forward to continuing to build a better Prince George."
Rogers said his three years as mayor have resulted in significant positive change in the city. Construction has begun on Boundary Road, the new RCMP detachment and downtown district energy system.
Prince George also secured the right to host the 2015 Canada Winter Games and attracted new jobs and investment downtown, he said.
Road rehabilitation was a major focus of Rogers' campaign in 2008 - city spending on road rehabilitation increased by $1.9 million to a record $3.5 million in 2011.
On Wednesday Rogers pledged to boost road rehabilitation spending by $250,000 each year for three years - with a target of $4.25 million by 2014.
"This is consistent with the city's strategic plan. [If reelected] I will facilitate a discussion within council to see if we can go further than this," he said.
Rogers said the funding for the plan will come from repriortization of existing spending and increased revenue from new development. In his platform, available online at www.danrogers.ca, Rogers committed to keeping tax increases in line with inflation.
Rogers also committed to empower neighbourhoods to make positive change and reestablish a major facilities task force to examine the city's needs and wants in regards to civic facilities.
He said he looks forward to debating the issues with fellow mayoralty candidate Coun. Shari Green.
"I know that she's had a steep learning curve in the three years she's been on council. I have great respect for the work she's done in that short period of time," Rogers said. "[But] you can can clearly see my platform, it's not just about moving forward. It's that discipline and years of experience that I am eager to apply to the challenges."
Green goes on attack
In an e-mail to media following Rogers' announcement, Green said voters have a choice to make.
"On November 19 the choice could not be more important. A choice between low taxes that bring back investment and jobs, or the tax-and-spend status quo," Green said. "A choice between action to build our city and our infrastructure, or the seemingly endless talk that is paralyzing our growth."
Green said the current city council is a fractured team that lacks direction.
"I invite all Prince George citizens who share my dream of a growing and prosperous city to get involved and get moving with me," Green said.
Affleck, Dickenson, Wilbur seek council seats
Retired postman Scot Affleck has entered the race for city council. Affleck ran for city council in 2002 and 2008.
"I'm running on my principles and my attitude. I don't belong to any special interest group - that makes me an independent. I'm paying for the whole thing myself. I'm not taking donations and I don't ask for them," Affleck said. "I'm old, I'm cynical, I'm a taxpayer, I'm politically aware and I don't like the way things are going."
Affleck said reducing the city's debt would be his top priority if elected. The city needs to reduce spending on nonessentials, he said. Other than that, he said, he would always remember that the city is managing other people's money and taxes have a direct impact on the livelihood of residents.
"I'm not going to promise anything because they are just words," he said. "That's the kind of guy I am."
Affleck has lived in Prince George since 1990. He is married and has two grown sons.
Joanne Dickenson has also filed her nomination papers with city.
Dickenson is the manager of the Hart Highway B.C. Liquor Store and owner of Cottage Costume and Rentals - a home-based business.
Dickenson could not be reached for comment as of press time, but her nomination papers filed with the city revealed two high-profile backers for her campaign: Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Pat Bell and outgoing city councillor Don Bassermann.
One-term city councillor Dave Wilbur filed his nomination papers on Wednesday, seeking a second term on city council. Wilbur could not be reached for comment as of press time.
Lyn Hall to announce candidacy
Prince George School Board trustee Lyn Hall is expected to announce his candidacy for city council on Friday.
Hall will be making an announcement outside City Hall on Friday at 11a.m.
