Former Summerside mayor Basil Stewart has announced his candidacy for the upcoming municipal election, making him the first contender for the mayoral position. Stewart previously served as mayor of Summerside before municipal amalgamation in 1985 and held the position until his defeat in 2014 by Bill Martin. He later reclaimed the mayoral seat in 2018 but was succeeded by Dan Kutcher in 2022.
Stewart shared that numerous requests from the community prompted his decision to run again after Kutcher declared he would not seek re-election. Highlighting his extensive 33-year experience in municipal governance, Stewart emphasized that his knowledge and energy make him well-suited for the role. “I’ve accumulated significant expertise in handling municipal affairs and issues over the years, and I am fully committed to serving the city,” Stewart stated.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the campaign trail, Stewart mentioned his intention to personally reach out to residents by walking door-to-door in the city over the next ten weeks. He believes this approach will allow him to engage with a vast majority of households in Summerside.
Stewart also underscored the importance of collaborative relationships with various levels of government, emphasizing the need for unity and cooperation for effective governance. “I firmly believe in constructive dialogue with decision-makers from all sectors, rather than resorting to public grievances,” Stewart remarked. He stressed the significance of working together across political boundaries to achieve common goals, citing successful past collaborations with the municipal, provincial, and federal authorities.
The municipal elections across most P.E.I. municipalities are scheduled for November 2.