Squamish Councillor Paul Lalli announced last week he will run for mayor of the Howe Sound town, and incumbent Mayor Corrine Lonsdale announced she will not seek re-election as mayor.
Instead, Lonsdale will try for a seat on council.
Lalli, 31, announced he would be a candidate for mayor at a Sept. 12 reception at the Best Western Sea to Sky Hotel. He is the first candidate in the Squamish mayoralty race to officially announce his intentions.
In a short speech, Lalli identified economic diversity, fiscal responsibility, a prosperous downtown, and accountability as key campaign themes.
"There has been some division in the community over some issues and as your mayor I want to state very clearly that I support a diversified economy for Squamish, one that includes both tourism and traditional industry," Lalli said. "I feel they are both vital parts of our community and there is room for both. I want to help those that want to invest in our community so that we can broaden our tax base."
Lalli has been a councillor for six years. He was first elected in a byelection in 1996 and topped the polls in the vote for council three years ago. He is currently chair of the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District board.
Lalli was born and raised in Squamish and has worked in the hospitality industry. He currently owns a business in downtown Squamish.
Lonsdale, who attended Lalli’s campaign launch, indicated she wishes to spend more time with her family.
