The race is on for Guelph’s top elected position. A second candidate has officially joined the race to serve as the city’s next mayor.
Danny Drew, who describes themselves in as a “local non-binary communist,” completed the registration process Tuesday for the Oct. 24 municipal election.
"I value democracy," said Drew in a news release. "Elections aren’t the only the times we ought to debate issues and hold politicians to account for their records, but they do guarantee visibility for things that matter to people, and having an incumbent mayor acclaimed would be a disaster for Guelph."
Incumbent Cam Guthrie registered on May 3 to run for re-election, in search of his third term.
Deadline to register for the election is Friday at 2 p.m.
Drew’s news release states they are “strongly connected to the queer, disabled and homeless communities” in Guelph.
"I see so many people who can't find places to live, let alone decent ones, or proper mental health services. I’m running to represent the interests of that majority of people who are unheard or ignored in our society,” they said. “About 37 per cent of people voted last election. That’s not democracy."
The release notes Drew's campaign will be based on seven pillars:
- Address housing affordability crisis, including bringing in a vacancy tax
- Accessible, expanded and free transit
- Manage growth to serve citizens and the environment, not developers
- Police oversight and accountability.
- Reduce crime at its source by tackling poverty and desperation.
- Support and extend existing community efforts to reduce waste and meet people's needs.
- Enact an “Integrated Community Wealth” model for Guelph’s local economy.
Additional platform details will be released Tuesday evening on Drew's campaign website, www.danny4mayor.com.
