One of Squamish's three mayoral candidates is dropping out of the race.
Ron Bahm, the owner of Brackendale Auto Service, made the announcement that he would not seek the mayor's seat on Tuesday (Nov. 15), four days before Saturday's (Nov. 19) municipal election. Bahm said he came to the decision this week. He said he realized Squamish needs a completely new set of councillors and mayor if it is going to attract opportunities to town.
"We need to send a shockwave to the investment community that we mean to do business," Bahm said. "The only way to do that is a new council."
With that in mind, the Squamish resident is throwing his support behind mayoral candidate Auli Parviainen. They share similar beliefs and vision for Squamish's future, Bahm said.
Bahm said a lot of people told him that although they believed in him, they were voting for Parviainen. The last thing Bahm wanted to do was split the vote and cause her to lose to fellow candidate Rob Kirkham, he said.
"I am in it to win it," the Squamish resident of 14 years said. "If she gets in, I still win."
In a press release, Parviainen said she was honoured by Bahm's support. She called him a "fine man" who is willing to put Squamish's interests ahead of his own.
"Ron and I both want to see an inclusive community where people's diverse voices are heard and our local government is accountable," Parviainen stated.
This municipal election has the potential to be a historic vote, Bahm said. Squamish can't survive another three years with the same faces in council chambers, he noted, adding that his decision is based on what he thinks is best for Squamish. Bahm expects a large voter turnout.
"If there ever was an election to cast your vote in, this is it," Bahm said, adding that he apologizes to any advanced voters who may have marked an X beside his name.
Eight-hundred four residents cast votes in the election's four days' worth of advance polling, said Robin Arthurs, Squamish's chief electoral officer. That's 79 ballots more than the 2008 advanced polls. However, three years ago the advanced polling only covered a three-day period.
General voting takes place tomorrow on Saturday (Nov. 19). Voters must be 18 years of age and older, Canadian citizens, and have lived in B.C. for six months and Squamish for 30 days. Alternatively, voters can also have owned a property in Squamish for 30 days or more to be eligible to vote.
Voting will take place at Brennan Park Recreational Centre Auditorium at 1009 Centennial Way, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. For more information call (604) 815-5066.
