Courtenay Coun. Erik Eriksson is gunning for the mayor’s seat in the next municipal election.
Eriksson has yet to formally announce his candidacy, but he wants to get the ball rolling on his ‘Building Partnerships’ campaign leading up to the Oct. 20, 2018 election.
Though the Comox Valley consists of three municipalities and three electoral districts, Eriksson sees the Valley as a whole with common goals.
He feels his many years of experience as a union rep, back when he worked as an electrician at the now defunct Fields Sawmill, would help resolve problems.
“If there aren’t partnerships, you can conflict in your ideas,” he said. “I think the (role of) mayor is particularly important.”
Eriksson, who had served a previous term years ago, was voted back to Courtenay council in the 2014 civic election.
Looking ahead, his goals include economic development, and bringing up the average income level.
He sees “synergy potential” between the airport and the military base, and between the new hospital and adjacent college. And he’s not afraid to tackle big issues like water and sewer.
“I really want to be mayor. I have a desire to do good things.”
Eriksson likes to throw out grandiose ideas, which he hopes will get people talking about other things, such as his idea to re-brand the Comox Valley as Festival Valley. While there are plenty of Canadian valleys that host festivals, Eriksson says: “There can only be one festival valley.”
Eriksson is the first Comox Valley candidate to toss his hat into the ring, though it’s only a ‘soft opening’ at this point. He needs to assemble a campaign team before making a formal announcement.
Larry Jangula has yet to say whether or not he plans to seek re-election to a third term in the mayor’s chair.