Richard Ireland will run for Mayor in Jasper again. 

The only Mayor that the community has ever known filed his nomination papers yesterday, July 29. 

The decision to offer his services as mayor for the seventh time was based on multiple factors, Ireland said, but primarily came from a desire to serve his community.

“I don’t feel like I am done,” he said. “I feel like I have something to offer.”

Seeking his 11th term at the helm of the community, Ireland was first elected mayor when the Municipality of Jasper was created in 2001; prior to that he spent 11 years as chair of the Jasper town committee.

He acknowledged there are open files he’d like to see closed before he steps down.

“There is some unfinished business that dates back to the inception of the community,” he said. “Transfer of jurisdiction from the federal government to the town and tackling the land rent issue…I feel I can still contribute to the discussion.”

Ireland acknowledged the last 18 months have been difficult but have also included many positive developments, including council’s coalescing around the municipality’s new CAO, Bill Given.

Other potential candidates for the municipal election must file nomination papers by September 20, 2021. Election day is October 18. Jasper voters elect six councillors and one mayor. 

Bob Covey // thejasperlocal@gmail.com