Saanich Mayor Fred Haynes released a statement via Twitter Wednesday announcing his candidacy for mayor in the 2022 municipal elections.
The move came in response to former Saanich Coun. Dean Murdock’s statement that he will be making an announcement today regarding the municipal race next year. Murdock didn’t reveal what the announcement is about.
The 40-year-old provincial-government employee, who teaches a political-science course at Camosun College, served three terms on council from 2008-2018 before leaving to spend more time with his family.
He also began hosting a podcast called Amazing Places, which he described as “a celebration of community spaces and the things that make great communities.”
Michael Prince, a political scientist and the Lansdowne Professor of Social Policy at the University of Victoria, said he suspects Murdock will announce a run for the mayor’s seat. “I’d be surprised to see he just called an announcement to say he’s going to run again for a fourth term as a councillor.”
Haynes said that although he is running, he is busy with the duties of office and won’t be campaigning for some time. He cited progress on climate action, road safety, equity and diversity and housing during his tenure.
Prince said if he were a Saanich voter he would like to know from Murdock what it is about the current mayor and council “that is motivating him to kind of come out of retirement.”
He said he would also be curious to know what Murdock sees as “wedge issues.”
By announcing his plans now, Murdock can get to fundraising and establish a campaign chest, Prince said.
“So there’s some logic there,” he said. “He’s a known entity and has a long record in Saanich.”
Prince said it is a little unusual to have this sort of event a year in advance of an election, but he noted that Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps got her first mayoral campaign going about a year ahead of election day and managed a victory over Dean Fortin.
