Vanderhoof, B.C. – For the first time since 2008 there’s a mayor’s race in Vanderhoof.

This after Jessi Wilson, a former business owner and ex-president of the Vanderhoof Chamber of Commerce decided to throw her hat into the ring.

Vanderhoof mayoral candidate Jessi Wilson

She says there’s a fairly simply reason why.

“The average person deserves to have a voice and they deserve to have an opinion and it should be heard. I thought of sitting on council first but I wanted to make more of an impact.”

Wilson believes that at the moment “there’s been a breakdown in some communication” and that not everything is being heard.

She says if elected she’d like to bring in more recreation programs for all ages, provide affordable seniors housing and streamline the expenses of mayor and council.

Wilson says she’s had a very positive response to her candidacy and is expecting a tight race.

She feels her previous work experiences have enabled her to keep in touch with the community and says it’s time for her to serve.

“This has been my home my entire life. I love my town. I love my community. I really can’t think of a better place to live and I want to do the best for this community. It’s time to give back.”