Clifford Lee outlines re-election campaign platform
The mayor of Prince Edward Island's largest city leaned on his track record as he outlined some of his re-election priorities Tuesday.
Infrastructure, the environment and working to make Charlottetown more attractive to young people all top Clifford Lee's list.
Lee officially opened his election headquarters on St. Peter's Road on Tuesday for his fourth campaign for mayor.
When he declared his intention to run for a fourth term in June, he said he was committed to the city of Charlottetown and intended to complete the four year term.
One of the main priorities if re-elected is to stem the flow of young people out of the city, but says it will take more than just the municipality to get it done.
"We need to sit down and have that serious discussion with the other levels of government as to how do we keep our youth here in Charlottetown for the long term. It's a real shame we have so many leaving our community,” he said.
The 53-year old Charlottetown native was first elected mayor 11 years ago. He is now the longest serving mayor in Charlottetown history.
Lee points to recent capital projects as success in building infrastructure for the city, in particular he points to the convention centre, Charlottetown events grounds, sewer and water upgrades.
Lee also wants the city to take the lead in banning cosmetic pesticides, to create more affordable housing, continue to support water conservation and public transit.
Campaign co-chair Stan MacPherson says continued economic growth is the goal.
“It's continuing the growth of the city, the strength of its infrastructure, the quality of life in the city,” he said.
Former Charlottetown councillor Philip Brown is making another effort to unseat Lee. Brown, who served on city council from 2001 to 2006, ran against Lee in 2010 and lost by 3,000 votes.
He believes he can beat Lee this time with what he calls a shorter and more concentrated campaign.
When he announced his intentions to run in July, he also acknowledged it would be tough to run against Lee’s 30 years of service.
Brown said his campaign will focus on four things: efficiency in council, property taxes, cosmetic pesticides and sewage and water problems.
Lee isn’t being complacent about his time in office. He’s knocking on doors, and says he has volunteers on the streets and headquarters staffed six days a week.
"My focus has always been on the larger community,” he said. “Celebrating the city. Celebrating neighbourhoods."
Municipal elections in Charlottetown, Summerside, Stratford and Cornwall take place November 3.
