Sun staffer will vie for seat in Riverview
Advertisement
Read this article for free:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
We need your support!
Local journalism needs your support!
As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed.
Now, more than ever, we need your support.
Starting at $15.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website.
Subscribe Nowor call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527.
Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community!
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Add Brandon Sun access to your Free Press subscription for only an additional
$1 for the first 4 weeks*
- Enjoy unlimited reading on brandonsun.com
- Read the Brandon Sun E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
*Your next Free Press subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $20.95 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.95 plus GST every four weeks.
Read unlimited articles for free today:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 26/03/2016 (3794 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
A longtime volunteer with “deep roots” in the east end will seek the Riverview ward seat in the upcoming byelection.
Glen Parker, The Brandon Sun’s sales and marketing director, made the announcement on Thursday at the East End Community Centre, surrounded by approximately 20 supporters.
“I’ve always tried to be involved in the city in some fashion, mostly on a volunteer basis,” Parker said. “I thought this is a good opportunity to test it out without going for a full four-year term, to make sure I like it as much as I think I will.”
While he doesn’t live in the Riverview ward currently, Parker grew up in the area and has lived there in the past.
“My kids went to school in the ward; my wife and I have been involved with the East End Community Centre for the past 25 to 30 years,” he said. “So I have an affection for that part of the city.”
Parker has been a Brandonite since the 1970s, and has spent many years volunteering with Hockey Brandon and Hockey Manitoba. He runs the annual father/son golf tournament and over the years has volunteered with various organizations and events, such as the Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and Big Brothers and Big Sisters.
“I know a lot of people that are currently on council, so I think the transition will be easy,” he said. “I have a lot of people that I’ve met in the business world and done a lot of work with them on different things as well, so I think all that experience bodes well to help make a run and serve the city.”
The Riverview ward seat on Brandon City Council is now vacant, as former councillor Vanessa Hamilton resigned to become the Brandon East Liberal candidate in the provincial election.
Parker joins Tyson Tame, who is also vying for the seat. Tame, a local real estate agent, was the runner-up to Hamilton in the 2014 election.
“If nothing else, democracy will be served — rather than having no election required. I think that’s kind of wrong,” Parker said. “Give people a choice to make.”
As far as Parker’s priorities, he said it’s the same as any Brandon resident: good streets, good sidewalks and safe neighbourhoods. But his biggest mandate would be to ensure city spending is reined in.
“Just be prudent spending people’s money,” he said. “If we spend money and it’s for the right reason, then I think everybody’s OK with that generally speaking. But I think we have to keep an eye on the level of spending.”
The official nomination period is April 6 to April 12. Riverview residents head to the polls on May 18.
» jaustin@brandonsun.com
» Twitter: @jillianaustin