Ex-Saanich councillor Dean Murdock says he plans to challenge Fred Haynes for the mayor’s chair next year.
The former three-term councillor, styling himself as climate supporter and advocate of affordable housing, stepped into the ring Thursday a year ahead of the next election, saying: “It’s time for new leadership at city hall.”
About 100 supporters gathered in Beckwith Park under a steady rain as Murdock launched his campaign.
“The people of Saanich are telling me we need to do better on fighting the climate crisis, on creating safe and affordable communities, and ensuring all Saanich residents have access to affordable housing options,” Murdock said. “That’s why I’m running in this election.”
Two former councillors, Carol Pickup and David Cubberley, are backing Murdock’s mayoral run.
Murdock, 40, was a councillor from 2008 to 2018 and championed housing affordability and food security, pushed for emission reductions and addressed safety concerns for pedestrians and cyclists.
He’s a provincial government employee and teaches political science at Camosun College. He’s also hosting a podcast called Amazing Places, which he described as “a celebration of community spaces and the things that make great communities.”
As mayor, Murdock vowed to create new family-oriented housing units and build active transportation networks in Saanich. He will be releasing a complete platform later in the campaign.
“People want politicians who talk less and listen more,” said Murdock. “My first priority in this campaign is to get on the doorsteps and hear the concerns from voters in every corner of Saanich.
“This election is about what we can do in the next four years to build a stronger community for our kids and grandkids.”
Cubberley, who spent 11 years as a Saanich councillor and a term as MLA starting in 2005, introduced Murdock, saying he was proud to endorse a strong environment platform.
“Dean brings fresh energy and vitality to the council table and has the vision to make Saanich thrive in the low-carbon economy of the future,” he said.
Pickup, a councillor from 1987 to 2005, said Murdock is the “leader Saanich needs now.”
“Dean understands that we need a forward-looking mayor who has proven he can get results on affordable housing and active transportation. The world is changing and Saanich can’t afford to stay stuck in the past.”
Haynes has announced he’s running again for mayor in the next civic election, set for Oct. 15, 2022, although he doesn’t expect to begin campaigning for some time. He cited progress on climate action, road safety, equity and diversity and housing during his tenure.
