Doug Craig spent 27 years in local politics, and now following a few years away, he is ready to return.
Craig was mayor of Cambridge for 18 years before he was defeated in 2018.
Now, Craig intends to run for spot on regional council representing Cambridge. He explained that homelessness is a key factor in his return to local politics.
"Throughout the community, it's very evident we have concerns with homelessness," Craig said. "The fact that people in the community don't feel safe in their own neighbourhoods anymore ... we need to be looking at some new ways at dealing with these problems."
Cambridge has three seats on council, although one is designated for the mayor.
Craig walks through the streets of Cambridge every day, and says he understands how people in the community are feeling.
"The community is alarmed by what they're seeing, and they are feeling a sense of hopelessness in terms of the present policies that are being employed," said Craig.
He also said the affordability is a major concern, and that council's plan to increase the budget by 6.8 per cent in the fall is unacceptable.
Craig said that those representing the region at the provincial, and federal level need to be more involved.
"I think we have to incorporate our MPs and our MPPs locally, this is really their issue," Craig said. "They need to be brought into this in terms of the legislation and the monies that they have to help solve these problems."
Municipal elections will be held on October 24.
