A Smithers councillor has announced his candidacy for mayor with the civic election still months away.
John Buikema was first elected to council eight years ago and said the first reason he wanted to run was because he loves politics.
“I really think it’s important that the mayor’s chair be filled by someone who has councilor experience first,” he said.
“It seems like every election for mayor, there’s always people who run who have never served on council first.”
Buikema added he believes it would be difficult to be mayor without the experience of being a councillor.
“When you’ve been a councillor already, you have a pretty good awareness of the issues facing the town,” he said.
“I feel like having been there for eight years, I’ve got a pretty good handle on what the big issues are.”
On top of being a councillor, Buikema is the town representative on the Smithers Chamber of Commerce board, and previously served on the library board.
He said other current councillors have encouraged him to put his name forward.
Buikema added he is retiring from his current job in June which he feels will give him more time to perform mayoral duties.
Current Councillor Sam Raven announced on Facebook she would be running again for council.
Gladys Atrill said on May 27 she would be stepping down as mayor at the end of the current term.
The civic election is set for October 17.
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