Mayor Charlie Clark officially announces re-election campaign

With pandemic re-election masks on hand, Mayor Charlie Clark announced his bid for a second term in the big chair on Wednesday.

Even before Clark began speaking on Wednesday, it was obvious what his intentions were for the 2020 municipal election.

Over a dozen supporters at the event donned facemasks with the words “re-elect Charlie Clark for mayor,” while the ballroom at the Sheraton Cavalier was decked out with re-election signage.

Clark’s wife, Sarah Buhler, introduced the incumbent with a story of how they met, saying he hasn’t changed since that day.

Buhler said the decision to run for office again was one that the family decided together.

“We want to see our beautiful city become stronger, and even more resilient,” she said.

Clark was first elected to the mayor’s office in 2016 by a margin of 3,047 votes over longest-serving mayor Don Atchison. Before that, Clark served for 10 years on Saskatoon city council.

When Clark stepped up to the podium Wednesday he admitted it felt different than last time, but was glad to show that his team could demonstrate a way to hold events safely.

Clark said he is ready for the Nov. 9 election date.

“I’m running again because I know, that with the right approach, we can build on the strengths that we’ve seen shine through in Saskatoon during this pandemic crisis,” he said.

“With the wrong approach, we can see the same failures and challenges that are playing out in other parts of the world. I am prepared to fight, so that does not happen here.”

Clark stopped short of announcing the start of his official campaign, something he said will be announced this coming September. He said he plans to focus on his role as mayor, to ensure Saskatoon is able to work together on the COVID-19 crisis.

“I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished in these four years. I know that much important work lies ahead and I also know the promise of this incredible city,” Clark said.

“Saskatonians want to be in a city where we have both a strong economic future and we look after each other, so no one is left behind.”

Clark pointed to areas such as the lowest property tax increases in the past decade, protecting the vulnerable sector from COVID, the work that was put into the Safe COmmunity Action Alliance and overall safety as positives during these past four years.

The mayor touted job growth as part of his record. In the past four years, he claimed 50 per cent of provincial growth had happened in the City of Saskatoon.

“I know what is needed to guide our city through the challenges ahead,” Clark said.

“I don’t feel like I’m done. I guess, if I felt like I was done, I wouldn’t run again.”

Clark enters the mayoral race one month after former Sask. Party MLA Rob Norris threw his hat into the ring as a challenger.

Clark did not reference Norris by name during Wednesday’s announcement.

Instead, he acknowledged “the challenger.”

“I believe the way we get through this is by pulling the community together, not being divisive,” he said.

Another question raised spoke of Clark and his council’s work on items such as the Low Emissions Community Plan, fire pit bylaws and the bicycle bylaw.

“I will happily stand behind every single one of the debates and the discussions and be able to defend how I’ve approached each of them,” he answered.

“Those are issues that we need to work through as a community and listen to what the citizens are saying.”

Norris responds, welcomes Clark into the race

About an hour after Clark finished his announcement, Norris held a news conference to welcome the incumbent into the mayoral race.

Norris siad he hasn’t been canvassing door to door, but has been talking to people in their front lawns since announcing his candidacy.

He said from what he’s heard, safety, affordability and prosperity remain the issues voters are most concerned about.

Norris criticized Clark’s record, saying he and the current city council have put Saskatoon in a “financial straight-jacket” with rising taxes.

He also criticized council’s decision to wait for a recommendation in August or September on mandatory masks, suggesting the council should get in touch with Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab on the issue.

On safety, Norris noted concerns are growing across the city with crime. He claimed seeing dozens of tires slashed in East College Park in one trip.

“People are concerned. Not in one neighbourhood, not in one area, but actually across the city,” he said.

Norris mentioned Clark by name numerous times, and questioned why Clark would announce his re-election bid but say his campaign wasn’t starting until September.

“Maybe he’s gone back to the dressing room, and he’s retaping his stick right now,” Norris said.

“I’ve never quite seen an announcement like his today, it’s peculiar.”

Ward 3 council candidate Chris Sicotte also attended Norris’ availability, which was held in a supporter’s driveway.