Bob Simpson seeking re-election as Quesnel mayor

Bob Simpson has kept to his word planning to seek re-election as mayor of Quesnel.

Simpson filed his nomination papers Wednesday, Sept. 7, at city hall.

“I had hoped that all of our major initiatives would have been basically locked in by the end of this term, and I could go off and do the other things that I want to do with my life,” he said.

“Unfortunately, Covid-19, and the issues around the supply chain and inflation, have delayed a number of these projects, and I feel that the leadership needed to make sure that we land them is still warranted, so I’m putting my name on a ballot giving the people of Quesnel a choice to continue with the kind of progress that we’ve made over the last eight years.”

Simpson has been mayor since 2014 and was acclaimed for a second term in 2018.

He announced his intentions to seek a third term earlier this year.

At this time, Simpson is the third candidate in Quesnel’s mayoral race, with the nomination period closing at 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9.

Also filing nomination papers for mayor are political newcomer Brian Waters and long-time Quesnel city councillor Ron Paull.

“I think that was the right decision for Coun. Paull to seek the mayor’s seat simply because he has a different vision for what needs to be done in our community, and that vision often was at odds with the rest of council, and I think it gives the people of Quesnel a pretty clear choice,” Simpson said.

“It’s great to have a democratic process that will give people that opportunity to mark a name on a ballot and have their preferred vision take over the leadership of the community.”

Simpson has lived in Quesnel for almost 40 years.

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