Two-time Ward 10 councillor Mike McCann wants to climb the ladder in municipal politics.
McCann filed his papers on Wednesday and is now in the race for Barrie mayor in October's municipal election.
Other names on the ballot are Barry Ward, Gerry Marshall, Rob Haverson and Alex Nuttall. They are vying to replace Jeff Lehman who was defeated in last month's provincial election and is not seeking a fourth term as mayor.
"I'm the strongest candidate to be the next mayor of Barrie," McCann told Barrie 360 at his formal announcement Wednesday afternoon in Heritage Park by the landmark Love Barrie sign, something he championed and fundraised the $200,000 cost.
"I come with a strong business sense and no other candidates that have put their name in have a strong candidacy for business."
McCann says what he brings to the table is his love for Barrie and the people that live here.
"And number two is my strong business sense and vision," he explains. "If you are paying attention to Barrie city council, I am a councillor that gets the job done."
McCann has had his share of controversy. He is currently facing allegations of sexually harassing a city staffer, and this week filed a statement of defence denying any wrongdoing after the worker filed a claim against him.
In December 2020, McCann pleaded guilty to careless driving after drunk driving charges were withdrawn in connection to a crash in south Barrie in September 2020 in which a vehicle slammed into a hydro pole in the area of Yonge Street and Cox Mill Road.
Banner image: Mike McCann formally launched his campaign to be Barrie mayor at a Wednesday news conference in front of the Love Barrie sign in Heritage Park. Photo: Barrie 360
