Colin Renkema, a longtime resident and retired police sergeant, is the latest candidate to announce his bid for Mission’s open mayoral seat.
Renkema says he’s tired of watching council waste “time, money and taxpayer credibility,” and said if he wins, he’ll do the job for free.
“I am running with the plan to only serve this 18 month term! If successful I will not accept the pay and instead have it reimbursed to the municipal purse for the added cost of this election,” he said.
The candidate and his wife, Julia, have lived in Mission since 1983. They raised a family in Stave Falls before downsizing and moving to central Mission.
He said he’s witnessed the ups and downs of local politics and planning as the community has grown, and has developed a deep understanding of local government since moving.
“I am proud that our boys and their partners have chosen Mission to raise their families,” he said. “It upsets me that we are creating more rules but listening less.”
Renkema said he plans to focus on how municipal hall works, and how potential bylaws impact taxpayers’ finances. He said he will shift council attention to what the community wants resolved, rather than the political elite.
He filed his nomination papers for the 2021 by-election on March 18.
Renkema is in competition for the top seat against five other candidates: Paul Horn, Rhett Nicholson, Dave Perritt, Nelson Tilbury and Earl Babich.
RELATED: Official dates announced for Mission’s by-election to determine next mayor
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