Journal Staff
Anne Marie Gillis says she is running to become the next mayor of Sarnia.
The veteran city councillor, who filed her nomination papers today, is the first declared candidate for a job that’s been held by Mike Bradley the past 30 years.
"Why am I running for mayor? I’m fed up!” Gillis said in a release.
“I’m fed up with the toxic leadership that has caused walls to be built, the best and the brightest staff to leave and city council be demonized for doing what was needed."
In 2016, city council suspended Bradley’s pay for 90 days following a report from Integrity Commissioner Robert Swayze, who said Bradley’s harassing and bullying of city staff created a “toxic environment” at City Hall that led to the departure of the clerk and planning director.
Gillis said her 15 years of council experience and extensive involvement at the municipal, provincial and national level have made her ready to lead Sarnia.
“I build relationships, solve problems and am a team player. I know what the mayor’s role is and what the rules are,” she said.
“Elected officials make decisions and staff implement them, and I value that relationship and understand it.”
Gillis has chaired the Sarnia Police Service Board, was the deputy warden of Lambton County for two years, and served on the board of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
She headed the Community Health Study, and for the past 12 years has chaired the local Communities in Bloom organization.
Bradley, who was easily elected to a ninth straight term as mayor in 2014, doesn’t normally announce his political intentions until the last minute.
Would-be candidates for mayor, council and school trustee have until July 27 to file nomination papers.
The municipal election is on Oct. 22.
As of today, six individuals had filed nomination papers for city councillor: Gregory Jones, David Waters, Peter Athanasopoulos, Marie Timperley, Dave Potts and Susan MacFarlane.
Andy Bruziewicz is the only declared candidate for city and county councillor.