West Vancouver Mayor Michael Smith will be back for another run at the top job on council this fall. Smith announced Wednesday that he will run for mayor again in municipal elections this fall.
"I've received overwhelming community encouragement for a second term, and I want to honour it by seeking that support," he said.
Smith said he decided to make the announcement partially because of confusion generated by a March Vancouver Sun article, which mistakenly stated he was retiring.
"Far from it," Smith said in a press release. "There's too much unfinished business in my community I want to see concluded."
That unfinished business includes hiring a new police chief, overseeing residential redevelopments along Marine Drive, the $16-million purchase of the
Vancouver Coastal Health building, completion of a new public safety building to house West Vancouver Police Department and West Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services, and revitalizing Ambleside.
Smith said his business acumen will continue to benefit citizens of West Vancouver as he plans to hold TransLink to account to ensure "full return for each tax dollar spent."
After serving eight years as a West Vancouver school board trustee and six years on council, Smith won the mayor's seat by acclamation in 2011.
Prior to local politics, Smith was involved in business in the oil, gas, mining and finance sectors.
No challengers have declared yet. Those elected in this year's municipal vote will serve a four-year term.
