Skakun to run for city council

Councillor Brian Skakun confirmed he will be seeking a fourth term in office Friday.

Skakun said he considered running for mayor, but after talking with his family, decided to commit to another term on council.

"It's been a decision that has taken quite some time," Skakun said. "I've had a lot of pressure to run for mayor. I'm grateful for all the support I've had from people... but it would be an honour for me to run for another term on council."

He said he won't rule out running for mayor in the future, but for now this is the right decision for his family.

Skakun's third term in office was a rocky one.

On May 24 he was convicted under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for releasing a confidential city human resources report to the CBC. Skakun has appealed the ruling to the B.C. Supreme Court.

The conviction came after a lengthy trial which pitted Skakun's word against that of fellow councillor Debora Munoz.

In July city council voted to proceed with a censure hearing against Skakun based on the ruling. The censure hearing was postponed pending a ruling by the B.C. Supreme Court on an injunction requested by Skakun.

"We have to get past some of this stuff and move forward," Skakun said. "What is really important for the next council is to pull together and move ahead."

Improving the economy while keeping taxes in check is a top priority, he said.

"The message I've heard loud and clear is people want us to get back to the basics. They want us to maintain the roads... and we don't need as many frills," he said.

Streamlining the development permit process, supporting open and transparent government, increasing road maintenance, reviewing the current road paving plan and supporting small business, seniors and youth are all on Skakun's list of priorities.

Skakun was in Vancouver at the Union of B.C. Municipalities annual convention on Friday for the announcement. He said it was important to announce his intentions and let people know he won't be contending for the mayor's seat.