Longtime Kirkland councillor Michel Gibson will run for the town’s top job in the November 3 municipal election.
“Kirkland needs a new vision, some new blood and leadership,” said Gibson, a Kirkland councillor since 1991, now representing Timberlea, District 1. “People want a change.”
The 63-year-old Gibson has been going door-to-door since July 1 and, he says, for many voters, how the town handled cross-connected residential sewer pipes in 2011 remains top of mind.
Kirkland offered residents up to $5,000 in compensation but, he said, citizens are still angry over Kirkland’s slow response.
Mayor John Meaney has yet to declare whether he plans to seek reelection. Candidates have until early October to officially throw their hats in the political ring.
Gibson previously held senior sales management positions with General Motors, Saab Canada and Mercedes-Benz. He now works as a real estate agent in Kirkland, a job he says he would give up if elected.