Broadview -
Broadview residents have a lot of thinking to do with the municipal elections fast approaching, and several new candidates in the running.
Carol Mills will be going up against Sid Criddle in the race for mayor.
Criddle, who had previously stated that he would most likely not be running again, has decided that there is simply too much he still wants to do for the Town of Broadview.
"We had several projects on the way that I want to see completed that we weren't able to complete this year," Criddle said. "A couple of paving projects, a new roof on the skating rink."
He is also involved in several groups including the Health Advisory Committee, the Philippino Nurse Settlement committee as well as doctor recruitment.
"I want to make sure there's liaison between the council and those groups. I think it's so very important that council is informed of what's happening in the community and to be a part of it."
Win or lose, Criddle is thrilled to see some fresh faces running for council. He has been working for some time to get young people involved in the election.
"Even if I'm not elected I'm still going to work to help young people to have more interest," he said.
Criddle has been mayor for a total of around 18 years, and is pleased with the way things are going.
"I'm happy with the improvements I was able to be a part of in the 18 years I was mayor, and I'm looking forward to the next three years, provided I'm elected by the ratepayers. I'm going to work hard at whatever I do and whatever projects we're working on in the community."
Carol Mills has served as Broadview's mayor in the past, and has toyed with the idea of running again for quite some time.
"I always had it in my mind that I was going to run for mayor. I've been mayor before, so I felt I could handle the job again. I've been on council for enough years now that I think I understand what's going on," Mills said.
She already has a good idea of what her top priorities will be if she is elected.
"I really want to look at the recycling and the garbage collection aspect with Red Coat. We seem to be having a few issues with them and we'd like to get that straightened out and more economical."
She would also like to make sure that the town keeps up with things like paving and updating by-laws. "Things that kind of get put on the back-burner and don't get accomplished," she explained.
Most of all, Mills said she simply enjoys being a part of Broadview and helping it to thrive.
"Being a resident of the town, I like to see it grow and flourish. Being involved with Communities in Bloom also helps me be involved with the town and appreciate what the residents do for us as councillors and mayor."
"I've watched the town beautify itself and people commenting on how nice Broadview is with the paved streets and clean town - that kind of gives you a feeling of satisfaction."
"I feel capable of doing the job. I'm here all year round, I don't go on holidays. And I try to just be myself. People know me as who I am, I don't put on any airs to make me look better than I should. So I hope they appreciate me as I am."
The new candidates in the running are Clayton Rienks, David Lim, Derek Goodband, Tracey Strochan and Lori Stephan.
Council members Esther Bonk, Lawrence Hedman and Stan Mordan will all be running again. Pat Chaskavich is the only existing member who will not be running this term.
The municipal election takes place October 28.
