Former Flin Flon
city councillor Cal Huntley is promising voters a fresh direction as he throws his hat into a suddenly competitive mayor’s race.
Huntley will challenge incumbent mayor George Fontaine, a former council colleague, in what promises to be a closely watched campaign.
“I think we’re all aware that there’s been some fiscal challenges with the City of Flin Flon,” Huntley said Friday after filing his nomination papers. “I’m not sure I agree with some of the approaches that have been implemented or started to be implemented. I certainly agree that the intent is correct, I’m just not sure that the direction and the results that they’ve gotten are the way that I would like to get results. I’m more of a relationship-based person when it comes to collectively addressing problems.”
Huntley, who served 12 years on council before losing his seat in 2010, said he considered running as a councillor again but instead opted for the mayor’s job.
He said he could bring “something a little different to the table” more effectively as mayor than as a councillor.
Difficulties
Huntley said he did not wish to take anything away from the current council and how they have managed the difficulties they have faced.
He said he respects Fontaine, whom he calls a friend, and made the incumbent mayor the first person he called to share his decision.
Huntley said while Fontaine is “very popular” and incumbents are difficult to beat, he believes he has a chance in the race.
Huntley is the senior contracts administrator at Hudbay, dealing with all contractual agreements with individuals who provide services to the company.
As of Friday, the only other person who had publicly indicated plans to run for mayor was darkhorse candidate Robin James. James enjoyed only marginal support when he ran for mayor in 1998, 2002 and 2006.
All candidates for mayor, city council and school board will be known tomorrow. The Reminder will have coverage on Friday.
