File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Aaron Schulze

Vote 2022

Clearwater mayor to run for second term

Aug 4, 2022 | 7:46 AM

CLEARWATER, B.C. — The mayor of Clearwater has publicly announced he’s running for a second term.

In a social media post, Merlin Blackwell says his decision to run for Clearwater mayor wasn’t easy, but it was the right choice.

“I think we as a council fought well for Clearwater. We weren’t always successful, but we always gave it our best. And – on many things that may seem settled – we still intend to keep pushing, to keep advocating,” Blackwell says.

Blackwell says his reasons for wanting to remain as Clearwater’s mayor is the community’s residents, to offer stability, and to advocate for the district. Blackwell has been vocal about healthcare, infrastructure, and wildfire response plans.

“Taking the fight for things like our hospital and healthcare team to the provincial and national level has been rewarding,” Blackwell says. “I also want to keep the pressure on for better internet/cell service, safer highways, and things like the stationing of BC Wildfire Crews in the North Thompson. Although some of these issues aren’t in the traditional ‘realm’ of a mayor’s duties, they are all things that I know the majority of you want fought for.”

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Blackwell became Clearwater’s mayor in 2018, winning more than 72 per cent of the vote.

The 2022 B.C. municipal elections take place Oct. 15, 2022.