Residents of Ward 7 in Windsor are getting another name to choose from in April's byelection.
Howard Weeks officially launched his campaign for Ward 7 councillor on Wednesday.
Weeks was born in Windsor and spent some time living in Toronto before moving back to the Rose City nine years ago.
Weeks is a self-described activist who was a vocal supporter of the City of Windsor hiring an auditor general. Weeks said pushing council to hire an auditor general is one of his proudest accomplishments.
"I like to think I had a fair amount to do with the implementation of our new auditor general. I was a third party advocate in the last election for supporting the process of getting us an auditor general," Weeks said. "That was one of the reasons I decided I would move forward with seeking elected office. I've proved to myself that I can make a positive change. That's what I want to do for the citizens of Ward 7"
Although he currently lives in the Walkerville area, Weeks said he has several friends and relatives who live in Ward 7 and plans to move to the ward if elected.
He said some of the biggest issues facing the ward right now include flooding and crime.
"I know that Ward 7 citizens want a fighter in their corner," he said. "One that has the city hall experience and the relationships necessary to work effectively with council. I will ensure that the money spent on flood mitigation is tracked to the penny and invested as productively as possible. Also, I will fight to ensure that our police force is utilized as strategically and forcefully as possible."
Weeks describes his campaign as non-partisan and grassroots with a focus on transparency and voter communication. Over the next month and a half, he said he plans to knock on as many doors in the ward as possible to talk with residents.
Weeks joins the list of six other candidates who are vying to fill the Ward 7 seat left empty by Irek Kusmierczyk, who was elected as the member of parliament for Windsor-Tecumseh in the last federal election.
In addition to Weeks, candidates so far include Igor Dzaic, Barbara Holland, Ernie Lamont, Greg Lemay, Michael Malott and Thérèse Papineau.
Nomination papers can be filed until 2 p.m. on March 13, 2020. The by-election is April 27, 2020.