REGINA - A fifth name has joined what is turning into a large field running for mayor of Regina.
Bill Pratt announced at a campaign launch Tuesday that he is running in the Nov. 13 election, in a bid to oust incumbent Mayor Sandra Masters.
Pratt comes to the race from outside of council. He has varied leadership and volunteer experience in the community, including positions on several boards including the Regina Airport Authority, the YMCA and the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada.
Pratt is running on a campaign slogan of “Inspiring a Better Regina.” His campaign website is now up at billpratt4mayor.ca, and the policies listed there call for a “refresh” at City Hall.
He is pledging a council that “leads with integrity, cohesion, and respect,” as well as an inviting downtown, a growing population and tax base, and contribution to the social well-being of its citizens.
“Our city is facing serious challenges," his website states. "Homelessness, Regina Exhibition Association, downtown, mega-projects, the debt ceiling, infrastructure, to name a few. Challenges that will require serious and engaging leadership with realistic solutions.
"Let’s be explicit about something. It is time to set a clear expectation. It is time to align strategy with policy and budgets. It is time to be united in our journey and to focus on the vision that includes.”
Pratt is one of four candidates taking on Mayor Masters in the 2024 vote. The other declared challengers are Brandon Abtosway, Kevin Kardash and Shawn Sparvier.
Masters announced she would run for a second term at the State of the City address back in March.
There has been wide speculation that more candidates could soon join the race for mayor, and there is still plenty of time for candidates to announce their intentions prior to nominations opening. Nominations will be accepted at Regina City Hall from Sept. 25 until the filing deadline of 4 p.m. on Oct. 9.
