And now, there are five.
Sonya Sharp, Calgary city councillor in Ward 1, announced on Monday night she is running for the mayor’s chair in the City of Calgary's civic election on October 20.
Sharp joins incumbent Mayor Jyoti Gondek, former mayoral candidate and city councillor Jeff Davison, former city councillor, and mayoral candidate Jeromy Farkas and former Calgary police commissioner Brian Thiesen as mayoral candidates in the fall election.
“Many Calgarians feel that city hall is increasingly out of touch and on the wrong track,” said Sharp at an event Monday night, attended by approximately 400 supporters. “People feel the majority of this council doesn’t listen or care about many of their biggest concerns and often make decisions despite them, rather than for them.”
“The city shouldn’t be run like a big corporation; it should be run like a great local government.”
Sharp grew up in northwest Calgary and has had a connection to the city for years, starting with her first job as a lifeguard at Shouldice Park, then moving onto a job helping Calgarians navigate through the bureaucracy at city hall and most recently as councillor in Ward 1, a position she won in the 20121 municipal election.
"Calgary has always been my home," said Sharp. "This is a city built on community and hard work. This is the city I love, and that’s why I’m running to be your mayor. My commitment is to deliver a Calgary that works for everyone. One that is safe, strong and sensible."
Sharp said, over the last three-and-a-half years, Calgary city council has lost touch with the people they serve.
“Calgarians need to be reconnected back to their local government,” she said. “You’ll see the results every day. A safe train ride, potholes filled, snow cleared, and water running when you need it. I respect the investment you make in our city with your tax dollars.”
She added Calgarians want real results on the everyday issues that matter most to them, not ideological-driven ideas that ignore them.
“Making our city more affordable, stopping wasteful spending and ensuring Calgarians see value for their tax dollars, as well as leveraging stronger relationships with other orders of government to address the cost of living,” she said. “Prioritizing public safety; a safe city is critical. It’s not only about making sure people feel safe, but they also are safe.”
“Better roads, efficient infrastructure and dependable services that Calgarians can count on.”
"As a parent, I know the challenges Calgary families face every day," she added. "Affordability, safety, and reliable services, these aren’t just policies, they’re personal for all of us. No one should have to choose between paying their bills and setting their children up for success.”
“For some candidates, city budgets are just numbers on a spreadsheet, but those numbers represent the sacrifices families make to pay their taxes. Calgarians expect efficient, reliable services in return, and it’s our responsibility to deliver without wasting a single dollar."
Sharp is running under the banner of the Communities First municipal party, which last week was officially certified as a political party.
Other members of the party include Cllrs. Andre Chabot (ward 10), Dan McLean (ward 13), Rob Ward (ward 11), Cornelia Wiebe (ward 8) Terry Wong (ward 7), former Cllr. John Mar I(Ward 6) and Kim Tyers, who is running for council in Sharp’s ward 1.
Spokespeople for Communities First said on Monday night more party candidates will be formally announced in the coming days.
