The race in Elma Ward is shaping up to be one of the most heated contests in the North Perth municipal election.
Two more nominations in August have increased the number of Elma Ward candidates to five, with only three councillors being elected to North Perth council.
Matt Duncan filed his nomination on Aug. 16, saying that he felt Elma Ward could use a young, fresh face to bring about some changes. Duncan, 34, said he has shown interest in municipal politics and the affairs in Atwood.
“I’ve lived in Atwood all my life, so things that affect our area I like to keep an eye on,” he said.
Duncan said he hopes to bring better representation to the Elma Ward after feeling left out of the decisions made by North Perth council.
“The constituents have been kept in the dark in the past and I think there needs to be a change to that,” Duncan said.
The owner of his own animal control business for five years, Duncan said he has had no political experience in the past but feels it wouldn’t affect his ability to represent the people of Elma.
“I guess by having not much experience I won’t be influenced by the experience,” Duncan said. “Career politicians are out for themselves and not for the people that elect them.”
Kenneth Buchanan became the fifth nominee in Elma Ward when he registered on Aug. 23. Like Duncan, Buchanan said he was encouraged to run in order to change some communication issues from the municipality.
“I’d like to see better communication on certain issues that should be public knowledge,” Buchanan said. “When tax money is being used to purchase and I’m told that’s confidential, I don’t think that’s right.”
Sixty-four-year-old Buchanan has lived in Elma all his life, and is now retired after 41 years working at Ideal Supply. Although he has no formal experience in politics, Buchanan said he has picked up skills from his 16 years as an Atwood volunteer firefighter and 37 years with the Atwood Lions.
“The experience I had in the Lions certainly helps, and in sales I dealt with customers every day,” he said. “I think I have some experience in dealing with people.”
Duncan and Buchanan join Robert Martin, Jeff Bannerman, and David Ludington in the Elma Ward. The deadline for nominations in the 2010 municipal election is Sept. 10.