A former Chamber of Commerce president is going to try his hand at local politics.
Jeff McKenzie, owner of All Keys and Locks, announced Tuesday (Aug. 30) he is going to run for councillor in the next municipal election.
McKenzie emphasized he is going to run as an independent candidate.
"In the last election I loudly disagreed with slate politics in municipal elections," said McKenzie.
He said he supports the work of Squamish New Directions, but he said that isn't swaying him from his belief that there's no place for slate politics at the local level.
"There should be six diverse candidates going in with their ideas," said McKenzie.
The business owner said he wants to bring a fresh perspective to the council table.
A resident since 1994, McKenzie was the Chamber president for two years. His service on the Chamber board dates back through the past eight years and he was the chair of the Community Futures Development Corporation of Howe Sound CFDCHS for a year. His involvement with CFDCHS dates back four years.
McKenzie said he has the time to do the job because his business is stable.
The declared candidates McKenzie will be up against in the November election campaign include all the members of Squamish New Directions (SND) and Terrill Patterson. Coun. Raj Kahlon is indicating he is uncertain about his political future, while Coun. Corinne Lonsdale has not stated her intention.
Coun. Ray Peters of SND is facing a second round of cancer treatment and said his nomination depends on how his health status.
Of the candidates who ran in the 2002 municipal election, two declared this week they won't run and one said he will try again.
Larry McLennan said he will be on the ballot again.
"I'm investigating certain financial dealings of council," said McLennan.
Norm Verner and Gwyer Webber both said they won't seek office. Mohammad Afsar, who finished seventh just behind Coun. Jeff Dawson in the last election said he will make an official announcement soon. He added he will likely run again.
Randall Lewis said he is leaning toward running for a seat with the Squamish Nation leadership instead of making another run at District of Squamish Council.
Former councillor and 2002 mayoral candidate Paul Lalli said he too will soon make an announcement but he added he has not decided yet.
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