Although he hasn't officially filed nomination papers yet, Estevan businessman Mohammad Waseem is the first person to step forward and declare his candidacy for the vacant seat on council.
Waseem was an unsuccessful candidate in the 2012 general civic election, but stated the experience was interesting and he was willing to give it another try in the by-election slated for the latter part of April. Potential candidates have until March 19 to officially file at City Hall.
The seat was made available with the resignation of Coun. Chris Istace who left Estevan for British Columbia in the latter part of 2013.
While other prospective candidates have indicated a desire to seek the seat, none have yet declared their intentions publicly.
The winning candidate will be asked to complete the last two and a half years of the four-year council term.
When contacted by the Mercury, Waseem said his interest in the welfare of the city remains strong. He has particular interest in the ongoing infrastructure catch-up projects as well as other public works and utilities projects, including snow removal, pothole patch work and city traffic flows. He is also an advocate for a greener and cleaner city.
A former Toronto resident, Waseem has been owner/operator of a local gas bar and convenience store for the past several years and he and his wife and family have settled into the Energy City. He feels this is a good time to contribute what he can to Estevan's well being.
Waseem received 773 votes in the 2012 general election, placing him eighth in the final ballot standing for the six council seats. Greg Hoffort led the way in the council polls that night with 2,365 while veteran councillor Roy Ludwig outlasted two other candidates Lynn Chipley (also a former councillor) and Jim Halladay to win the mayoralty contest with 1,807 votes.
Istace finished with 2,061 votes in the 2012 fall election.
Cameron Robock, who finished with 670 votes in the 2012 election said he would not be seeking the council chair in the by-election while Chipley had not given an indication regarding her intentions as of press deadline time Tuesday.
