The municipal election is on Monday and while just over 40,000 people voted in advance polls, the large majority of Edmontonians are yet to vote. Thirteen people are running to be Edmonton’s next mayor, all with different ideas for the city and motivations for running. CTV News Edmonton spoke with five of the candidates and asked them why they want to be mayor. Tim Cartmell Cartmell says he felt the need to try and make the jump from councillor to mayor in order to be better heard when it comes to issues like budgets and safety. Rahim Jaffer Jaffer says he decided to run for mayor after being “concerned” over what he’d seen happening in the city over the last 10 years and he wants Edmonton to realize its potential. Andrew Knack Knack says he’s trying to “build a stronger Edmonton,” with a focus on safety, keeping up with the city’s rapid population growth and making Edmonton more affordable. Omar Mohammad Mohammad says he’s running for mayor because he’s “upset” with how the city’s being run, citing Edmonton’s debt, and homelessness and safety issues. Michael Walters Walters says he believes the city needs “change” in this municipal election and that he has seen Edmonton become less safe, less affordable and more difficult to get around.
