The first candidate of Victoria’s upcoming municipal by-election has publicly announced his candidacy today.

Local businessman Barry Hobbis, who secured 13th place in the 2008 Victoria municipal elections, is officially in the running for Councillor Chandler’s position.

A press release issued by Hobbis states:

The future of our City’s financial stability is potentially at risk as we take on debt for the Johnson Street Bridge and sewage projects, when there may be viable alternatives that cost less, and meet the needs of all. Our downtown core, and village centres, are not attracting new, vibrant businesses to increase employment; that must change. Many of our neighbourhoods, and residents, feel cut off from City Hall and need to be consulted on affordable housing, and economic sustainability, along with many other issues of concern, to ensure our local government is moving in a positive, forward thinking, direction.

Hobbis’ company, Victoria Harbour Ferry, is one of the major operators on the Inner Harbour with some 90,000 movements per year, and that has raised questions about the possibility of a conflict of interest with respect to the Victoria International Marina proposal in Vic West.

“There is no legal conflict of interest, but there is the potential for a view of a conflict.  On the other hand, the situation is the same as other councillors being involved with special interest groups, such as John Luton being involved with cycling advocacy while acting in full capacity on the Johnson Street Bridge project,” said Mat Wright, Hobbis’ campaign manager.

Barry Hobbis speaks with Ken Kelly of the Downtown Victoria Business Association. Photo © by Electbarryhobbis.org.

Wright, who is also involved with the JohnsonStreetBridge.org group that was instrumental in forcing a referendum on the Johnson Street Bridge refurbishment/replacement project, says that the group will refrain from endorsements.

“There is a wide spectrum of opinions among the members of the group, and we are not endorsing any candidates,” Wright said.

The runner-up in the 2008 election, VibrantVictoria.ca contributor and Downtown Residents’ Association Chair Robert Randall, has also been considering stepping into the race although he has yet to publicly announce whether or not he will run.

“I’m going to declare my decision publicly within the month.  There is still a lot of information coming in regarding the bridge and the marina that need to be carefully considered and based on the community’s reaction I will have a better understanding of the potential of my involvement in this election,” Randall said.

To stay up to date on and to discuss the 2010 Victoria municipal by-election on the VibrantVictoria.ca discussion forum, click here.  To view Barry Hobbis’ official campaign website, click here.

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