FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. -- For the first time in over a decade, there could be an election rather than an acclamation in the race to be Mayor of Fort St. John.
Councillor Lilia Hansen said she loves the city and she wants Fort St. John’s top job. The lifelong Peace Region resident announced she's running for mayor alongside friends and family in Centennial Park on Thursday.
“I get excited about solving challenging problems particularly when the solutions make people’s live better,” she said.
Hansen was elected to Fort St. John City Council in a 2017 by-election. She is the second candidate to announce an intent to run and replace Mayor Lori Ackerman who is not seeking re election.
Hansen hopes the early summer announcement will encourage voter participation this fall.
“There will be an election, and a race for the mayor’s seat. That definitely helps,” said Hansen who added “this is your chance to have an impact and have your voice heard as to who will represent the community.”
The last time there was a race for mayor was in 2011 when 21 per cent of those eligible cast a ballot in the city.
While it’s still around seven weeks before the nomination period begins, Councillor Tony Zabinsky announced his intent run for Mayor of Fort St. John earlier in June.
The nomination period is scheduled to open August 20 until September 9 with the election set for October 15.
