It’s official, Port Coquitlam, B.C. Mayor Brad West is running for re-election.
The mayor made the announcement via social media Wednesday morning, calling the job “the honour of my life.”
“I am incredibly proud of all the progress, improvements and projects completed over the last 4 years. We are getting things done! And have a lot more to do!” West wrote.
Completing the revitalization of Port Coquitlam’s downtown, “hold(ing) the line” on taxes, protecting and enhancing parks and greenspaces and addressing public safety concerns are among his top priorities in another term, according to West’s campaign website.
West, a former three-term Port Coquitlam city councillor, was first elected mayor in 2018 at age 33, with a dominant 86.1 per cent of the vote.
Since his election as mayor, West has been an outspoken critic on the money laundering file and of the government of China.
West’s decision to run for mayor officially rules him out as a potential candidate in the race for the BC NDP leadership.
West has also been floated in the past as an NDP successor in Solicitor General Mike Farnworth’s Port Coquitlam riding, something another term as mayor could complicate.
Port Coquitlam residents will go to the polls to elect a new mayor and council on Oct. 15.