SUMMERSIDE – The first person to announce his candidacy for mayor of Summerside has come forward for the upcoming November municipal election.
On Tuesday, sitting councillor for Ward 4: Clifton – Market, Brent Gallant announced he would run in the mayoral race.
“I’ve got a lot of work ahead of me, but the work starts now.”
Gallant was raised in Summerside and has served on city council for 17 years, beginning in 1997 following the city’s amalgamation.
“I think I have the experience the role calls for. I’m a good listener, I do my best to follow through and get the job done. I got into city politics because I was concerned about my community and I’m still concerned about my community. It’s why I’ve continued to run for council.”
He held office until 2010 and then re-offered for council and won in 2014.
Gallant’s work portfolio includes pushing for the west end harbour cleanup and creation of Green’s Shore Park and boardwalk, chair of the Wellness Centre (Credit Union Place) and playing a role in bringing solar energy to the city.
“I also pushed for the redevelopment of the raceway and horse barns. I’m also proud to have worked with the provincial government to bring the Department of Education to the downtown.”
Within the city, Gallant also works as an insurance broker and financial planner, a career than has spanned over 30 years. He has been a volunteer firefighter with the Summerside Fire Department for and served as president of the Firefighter’s Association for five years.
Gallant says he didn’t plan to run for mayor when we first became a councillor. But with the current mayor not re-offering for the position and believing he has what it takes, Gallant says there is no time like the present to put his name on the ballot.
“I believe the City of Summerside needs a mayor who has experience, who has demonstrated an ability to work with all the residents of our community and who will work hard every day to make Summerside and even better place to live.”
In the coming weeks and months, he plans to speak to residents, by going door-to-door, to get their input on what they would like to see come to or change in the city.
“I would like to see our green energy file grow. I also plan on addressing the traffic problems on Granville Street North and work on developing more and affordable housing units. It’s a short list for right now because I want to hear from the residents about their concerns.
Brent Gallant’s municipal background:
– Past chair of council’s police, fire and emergency planning committee
– Past chair of council’s economic development committee
– Past vice-chair of council’s parks and recreation committee and technical services committee
– Served as finance chair of Federation of Prince Edward Island Municipalities
– Acted as the City’s official liaison to the Prince County Horsemen’s Association, the Greater Summerside Chamber of Commerce and the Summerside Regional Development corporation.
