There won’t be an incumbent city councillor on the ballot for Ward 6 this October, but there will be a familiar last name.
On Tuesday, Wade Murray announced he will not be running for his seat again in the upcoming municipal election—at the same time, he endorsed his son, Joel Murray, for his seat.
Joel, who watched his father lead Ward 6 over the past 13 years, said seeing Wade’s service to the community is what made him want to run.
“It’s a big responsibility. I really look up to my dad and everything that he does, and I see the roots that he’s grown in this community and the commitment he has to it,” Joel said.
Joel is 26 years old and acknowledged his age might seem young; however, he’s thought it through and said he’s ready to serve on city council.
While Wade and Joel share the same last name, the new candidate said he wants to differentiate himself from his father.
“I’m a different person. I am cut from the same cloth, but I also have my own ideas and plans for the community,” he said.