Don Iveson, Edmonton’s mayor since 2013, once again has his sights set on representing the city for the next four years.
Iveson won the 2013 election with more than 60 per cent of the vote.
There are 13 people running for mayor this fall. Here’s a quick look at the candidates running for mayor:
Taz Bouchier
Taz Bouchier, an educator, writer and grandmother, announced her intentions to run in Edmonton’s mayoral race in early August. She said she’s the first Indigenous woman to run for the city’s top job and describes herself as “an inspiring voice of change and peaceful unity for all people.”
LISTEN: Taz Bouchier on the Ryan Jespersen Show on 630 CHED
Mike Butler
Mike Butler owns a printing company and is a custom home builder working in rural Alberta. Butler’s campaign includes a push to fix the downtown bike lanes and a four-stage approach to affordable housing.
LISTEN: Mike Butler on the Ryan Jespersen Show on 630 CHED
Ron Cousineau
LISTEN: Ron Cousineau on the Ryan Jespersen Show on 630 CHED
Carla Frost
Carla Frost’s priorities include preserving urban areas, supporting innovation and engineering and improving the quality of health and wellness in Edmonton.
LISTEN: Carla Frost on the Ryan Jespersen Show on 630 CHED
Don Iveson
Don Iveson was elected mayor in 2013 with more than 60 per cent of the vote, after then-mayor Stephen Mandel decided not to run for the city’s top spot. Iveson served two terms on city council prior to his term as mayor. He launched his re-election campaign in July, with a focus on continuing to build the best city in North America.
LISTEN: Don Iveson on the Ryan Jespersen Show on 630 CHED
Don Koziak
Don Koziak is the general manager and post-owner of Chateau Louis Hotel & Conference Centre. Koziak is no stranger to the campaign, having run in several municipal and provincial elections.
LISTEN: Don Koziak on the Ryan Jespersen Show on 630 CHED
Bob Ligertwood
Bob Ligertwood has run for Edmonton mayor several times, the first in 1992. He said he has several concerns regarding the state of the city, including LRT, bicycle lanes and the environment.
LISTEN: Bob Ligertwood on the Ryan Jespersen Show on 630 CHED
Henry Mak
LISTEN: Henry Mak on the Ryan Jespersen Show on 630 CHED
Fahad Mughal
Fahad Mughal is a former city employee. He initially planned to run for councillor in Ward 10, but changed his mind after he spent time door-knocking. The former business analyst says he is focusing his attention full-time on his mayoral campaign, with a platform aimed at making council accountable, transparent and fair to Edmonton residents.
LISTEN: Fahad Mughal on the Ryan Jespersen show on 630 CHED
Gordon Nikolic
Gordon Nikolic’s priorities include expanding public transit, supporting local business and reducing crime. He also wants to see a reassessment of all photo radar.
LISTEN: Gordon Nikolic on the Ryan Jespersen Show on 630 CHED
Steve Shewchuk
Steve Shewchuk is a small business owner who said he wants to live in a city that respects its citizens and their voices. He said he is concerned about the “tax burden” being imposed on Edmontonians and is worried tax dollars are being used in an “irresponsible manner.” He’s focusing his campaign on efficiency, transparency and accountability.
LISTEN: Steve Shewchuk on the Ryan Jespersen Show on 630 CHED
Neil Stephens
Neil Stephens is a small business owner who said he fully understands the necessity and value of disciplined and responsible fiscal practices. He said he’s pitched a number of ideas and projects to city council over the years and believes people in Edmonton are concerned with numerous issues seen as “failings” by the current mayor and council.
LISTEN: Neil Stephens on the Ryan Jespersen Show on 630 CHED
Justin Thomas
Justin Thomas works in law enforcement. His priorities include referendums on a number of topics including photo radar, infill housing and bicycle lanes.
LISTEN: Justin Thomas on the Ryan Jespersen Show on 630 CHED
In total, 13 people are running for mayor and there are 70 candidates for city council. Twenty people are running to become Edmonton Catholic School Board trustees, while 28 people are running to become Edmonton Public School Board trustees (including one acclamation).
Election day is Monday, Oct. 16.
To find out when mayoral debates and forums are happening, click here.
Are you running for mayor? Email Caley Ramsay by clicking on her byline at the top of the story.