OTTAWA – Jim Watson filed his nomination papers to formally register as a candidate for Mayor of Ottawa in the upcoming fall election in Orléans on Feb. 1, signifying that his campaign is about more than just City Hall.

“One of the things I learned a long time ago is that the world doesn’t revolve around City Hall,” said Watson. “I’m proud of the work I’ve done across the City, whether it was expanding the Orléans YMCA and doubling the size of the Montfort Hospital in the east end, new funding for the Centrepointe Theatre in the west-end, or provincial funding for the new convention centre downtown.”

Watson, who served as Mayor of Ottawa from 1997-2000, and MPP for Ottawa West-Nepean from 2003-2010, stated that he wants to end the chaos and lack of direction that is plaguing City Hall.

“I’ve heard from a lot of constituents and taxpayers over the course of the last couple of months,” said Watson. “They are dissatisfied with decisions that are made and how there seems to be no priority-setting at City Hall right now. It’s the job of the Mayor to set the tone, and I have a track record of working well with different groups to get the job done.”

“Leadership and ideas matter,” concluded Watson. “We cannot afford to have another four years like the past four, and I believe my talents can best be used leading the City of Ottawa.”

Over the course of the next few months, Watson will be spending time in every community across Ottawa with a “Listening Tour” where Ottawa residents can get engaged in local and policy-related issues.