Nominations for this fall’s election closed at 2 p.m. Friday and just before that deadline the battle for mayor became a four-way race.
Vicki Schmolka is the second former councillor seeking the top political job in the city of Kingston.
Rob Matheson filed his papers on Thursday. Rounding out the group is political newcomer Eric Lee.
There are 12 council positions to be filled with 33 candidates trying to claim a seat.
Four current councillors aren’t seeking re-election they are Liz Schell, Adam Candon, Laura Turner and veteran councillor Kevin George.
A sizeable portion of council will have their first crack at tackling long-term issues and projects like the city’s third crossing over the Cataraqui River. Construction is set to begin on the bridge next year at a cost of $180 million dollars.
George says overseeing that will be the responsibility of the next council.
“That’s going to be a big thing for this next council to make sure that stays on time, stays on budget.”
Lakeside district councillor Laura Turner says she hopes the momentum in the city will be continued by the next group of 13 municipal politicians.
“I hope they go with the intensification downtown and build things and continue with the third crossing and the airport.”
One council seat that won’t be changing is Pittsburgh district. Councillor Ryan Boehme has been acclaimed.
When voters take to the polling booth on Oct. 22, they will also have one extra box to check. The city is having a referendum on using ranked-ballot voting. If adopted it would be in effect for the next election in 2022.