PRINCE ALBERT, Sask. -
Riley Simonite started a Facebook group nearly two years ago claiming he would run for mayor in this year's civic election.
He wasn't kidding.
The 18-year-old recent École Valois graduate filed his nomination papers Wednesday.
"I really hope people can start getting excited about it and if they see it is an exciting race and it's interesting - a mayor, former mayor and a young guy with ideas - I think people will be able to listen to the three of us," he said.
Simonite said that until Jim Stiglitz claimed he would run for mayor, it looked like incumbent mayor Jim Scarrow would be acclaimed.
That just wouldn't be good democracy, according to Simonite.
But even with Stiglitz now in the picture as well, bringing a new option to voters remained a priority for him.
"I am a young guy and I am excited about it, so why not get my name out there?" he said. "I am not out to turn it into a circus. I have seen how city council operates and if my generation will one day inherit the leadership positions of tomorrow, why not take those steps today?"
He also understands naysayers will be prevalent, given his age, but said he hoped that voters would see how serious he was about his campaign.
"It will be tough in the beginning, but I think voters can adapt to it and see I am a serious contender," said Simonite.
The employee of both W K Kitchen and Sport Chek claimed he would certainly be knocking on doors as part of his campaign and brought up youth boredom as a key issue that must be addressed.
"I hear all the time from kids my age saying, 'Oh, I am so bored.' There needs to be more going on for youth aged 13 or 14 right up to 20, so they aren't going out and smashing windows and this, that, and the other thing," he said.
Addressing a paving deficit and completing construction of the Alfred Jenkins Field House were also top priorities, according to Simonite.
He has appeared in council before as the Ward 2 representative for the city's model youth council.
The election is Oct. 28.
