One of Squamish's three mayoral candidates is stepping 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 the 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.
A lot of Bahm's supporters told him although they believed in him, they were voting for Parviainen, he said. The last thing Bahm said he wanted to do was split the vote and cause her to lose the race.
"I am in it to win it," the Squamish resident of 14 years said. "If she gets in, I still win."
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 chamber, 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.
In 2008, Bahm placed 16th in a 17-candidate race for Squamish council.
