OTTAWA — Four former Ottawa-area Mayors have endorsed Jim Watson’s candidacy for the position of Mayor of Ottawa by volunteering to serve as honourary campaign co-chairs. Citing Mr. Watson’s experience, integrity, community service and proven abilities as a leader and a consensus builder, the former Mayors of pre-amalgamation Ottawa, Nepean, Vanier and Goulbourn Township have stepped forward to offer their public support and assistance.

“I have every confidence that Jim will be an excellent Mayor because he has an uncanny ability to connect with the people of Ottawa,” said Jim Durrell, who served as Mayor of the former City of Ottawa from 1985 to 1991. Noting that Mr. Watson would bring “respect and credibility” to the Mayor’s office, Mr. Durrell praised the candidate’s ability to work with people across the political spectrum and with other levels of government.

Mary Pitt, who led Nepean during the three years prior to amalgamation, applauded Mr. Watson’s integrity and stature. “I have known Jim as a consensus builder and, with his dedicated community service and vast experience, he will be the Mayor who makes us all proud to be residents of Ottawa,” Ms. Pitt said.

Guy Cousineau, who served as Vanier’s Mayor in the decade leading up to the city’s 2001 amalgamation, pointed out that Mr. Watson is fluently bilingual, a vital asset for the Mayor of Canada’s capital. He also paid tribute to Mr. Watson’s “natural ability to bring people together.”

“Jim enjoys speaking with people from all walks of life – everyday people and businesspeople alike,” Mr. Cousineau said. “It is very important for me to endorse a leader who will work for everyone.”

Value and responsibility

Janet Stavinga, the Mayor of Goulbourn Township from 1997 to 2000, said she admires Mr. Watson’s commitment to “fiscal responsibility and delivering value for municipal services.”

“Jim knows how to build lasting partnerships, both across our City and with other levels of government, to deliver critical services and to secure new investments for our City,” Ms. Stavinga said.

Mr. Watson, himself a former Mayor of pre-amalgamation Ottawa, stepped down as a provincial cabinet minister and M.P.P. for Ottawa West-Nepean in January to launch his campaign for Mayor of the City of Ottawa. He noted that the city’s 900,000 residents have become increasingly concerned about the lack of progress on major issues, and are losing confidence over a series of divisive debates, lawsuits, and tax increases well beyond the rate of inflation.

“We must commit ourselves to a greener, more sustainable way of living; support our cultural community; empower citizens to take greater responsibility; strengthen our neighbourhoods; create an environment that supports innovation and entrepreneurs; and simplify the work of City Hall,” Mr. Watson said. “All this and more, but with the full understanding that we must live within our means.”

The municipal election will be held on Oct. 25.

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