Campaign '10 Kicks Off with Farbridge Announcing Re-election Bid

The 2010 Municipal Election season officially kicked off just moments ago when Mayor Karen Farbridge threw her hat into the ring by announcing her intention to run for a third term in office.

"I'm here to announce that I will be running for re-election as Mayor of the City of Guelph in this fall's municipal election," she told a crowd of supporters and well-wishing city councillors this afternoon in front of City Hall. "I am quite excited at the opportunity to serve my community again as Mayor."

Amongst her reasons for running, the Mayor said that a lot of important work has begun under her current tenure in office and that she wants to see it through. "Our city requires experienced leadership to meet the challenges that are ahead of us, build on our successes and continue the good work we have begun." This good work includes improving city infrastructure, balancing sustainability with growth and leading Guelph out of "the worst economic recession since the 1930s."

Farbridge also gave a requisite shout out to Canada's Olympic athletes, saying that it's okay to toot our own horn despite Canadian tendencies to the contrary. "Our Olympic athletes have given us permission to bang our drum as a nation," she added saying that we, as a community, should be proud of all that Guelph's accomplishments and accolades, like being labelled Canada's most caring community.

As for why she's announcing early (although still two months behind some of her Toronto counterparts), Farbridge had two reasons. One, was to stymie idle speculation in the media (*ahem*) and two, to start a dialogue. "I look forward to the opportunity to talk with the people of Guelph over the next several months about ways we can continue to work together to a prosperous and sustainable future for our city."

To the best of my knowledge, Farbridge is not only the first mayoral candidate to throw her hat in the rink, but the first candidate on any ticket for the 2010 election. I could be wrong, of course, and if I am feel free to let me know below.

Also, what do you think of the idea of Mayor Farbridge part III? Good idea or great idea? For it, or again' it? Best wishes or good riddance? You know where to post.