Bigger and more interesting: Former councillor in the running for Lethbridge's mayor
Bridget Mearns, a two-term city councillor who stepped away from politics four years ago, has become the first woman to join the Lethbridge mayoral race in the October municipal election.
“I always knew I’d be back to public life,” said Mearns, as she launched her campaign at the Galt Museum in front of a group of about 20 people, including family, friends and supporters.
Mearns was first elected as a city councillor in 2010 and ran for mayor in 2013. She finished second to Chris Spearman in that election, but was re-elected to council six months later.
Mearns re-claimed her seat on council during a by-election that was held to fill a vacancy left by the death of city councillor Wade Galloway, who was killed in an avalanche while snowboarding at Waterton.
Mearns did not seek re-election in 2017, but took time to complete a Masters of business administration and was executive officer for the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD Lethbridge).
She watched the past council and listened to people who reached out to her, expressing frustration over the division among city council and the community.
“They wanted change and wanted to get things done,” said Mearns. “I saw there was something I had to offer and now is the time to make that offer to the citizens of Lethbridge.”
Mearns is the sixth candidate to step forward, and the only woman in the mayoral race at this point.
The other candidates are Sheldon Day Chief, Blaine Hyggen, Gary Klassen, Kolton Menzak and Stephen Mogden.
Community activist and philanthropist Knud Peterson introduced Mearns at her campaign kickoff, voicing his support and conviction that she is the right person, and the right woman, to be the next mayor.
“Lethbridge’s first mayor was Charles Magrath, elected in 1891,” said Peterson. “Since then we have had 25 different men occupy the mayor’s chair.”
Peterson added, “I firmly believe she is the best person to lead our city forward. Now is a very appropriate time to elect our first woman mayor.”
When Mearns was asked about that later she agreed it was a trend she hoped to break this October.
“It’s been 130 years, so it seems now’s a good time.”
Mearns said she had been thinking about running for mayor for a couple of months, and made the final decision after speaking to her family and people in the community.
“I have incredible support behind me, and that was the final push for me to do this.”
Mearns said her past experience on council, her work in the private sector and background in the non-profit sector all make her a good choice.
“I won’t have all the answers but I understand that we do collectively, and I think it’s important we foster that, and have a leader who knows how to do that.”
Mearns said the city can’t solve all of the challenges it faces alone and needs a mayor that has the respect of council, as well as a non-partisan relationship with other orders of government.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.