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Coun. Charlie Clark is set to announce he’ll join the mayoral race in Saskatoon.
Multiple sources in the business community have confirmed they’ve been approached about Clark’s plans to run.
A press release sent out Friday afternoon on Clark’s behalf said he will make an announcement “regarding the upcoming municipal election” at an event scheduled for Wednesday at the Hotel Bessborough.
Clark, 42, was first elected to council in 2006, winning again in 2009 and 2012.
He represents Ward 6, which includes Nutana,Varsity View, Haultain, Grosvenor Park, Holliston, Haultain and the downtown core.
Clark has mainly worked as a mediator and an instructor in conflict resolution before going into politics.
Along with a bachelor’s degree and a certificate in conflict resolution, Clark has a master’s degree in environmental studies.
Incumbent mayor Don Atchison has already announced his intention to seek a fifth term.
Tight race
If the pair are the only two candidates, the city could be in for a repeat of the tight 2012 race between Atchison and Tom Wolf, according to political analyst Joe Garcea. Atchison narrowly took the vote with 52.1 per cent.
“If it ends up being head to head, it will be a very interesting and close election,” he said, adding both have strong records of advocating for social and economic development. “You’ll see them trying to differentiate each other in terms of which one of them, on any given day, might be more inclined to support economic development issues versus social development issues.”
A private Facebook inviting people to Clark’s announcement is signed off by Trevor McKenzie-Smith, a Vancouver-based campaign manager. McKenzie-Smith’s name also appears on City of Saskatoon council minutes and community newsletters dating back to at least 2003.
“If some election experts are involved, it shows they are being very serious and able to attract a substantial amount of human and potentially financial capital,” Garcea said.
Election day is on Oct. 26.
