Former MPP Kathryn McGarry enters race to be Cambridge's mayor

Kathryn McGarry is running to be Cambridge's next mayor.

McGarry served as the MPP for Cambridge and a cabinet ministerin the previous provincial Liberal government, but lost her seat in the June election to Progressive Conservative Belinda Karahalios.

McGarry is currently running against current Mayor Doug Craig and Randy Carter.

She said she was asked by residents to run for mayor even before the provincial election.

"It is really a decision based on the community asking me to run as the mayor of Cambridge that was really instrumental in my decision," McGarry said in an interview.

"I've had support as I've been around different events and out in the community. I've had phone calls, letters in from people asking me to step up."

People want change

She said she thinks people want a change in leadership.

"People said that they liked my style. I'm consultative," McGarry said. "I'm a solutions-oriented decision maker."

One ofthe biggest issue in Cambridge for this election will be the opioid crisis and the controversy surrounding supervised consumption sites.

"This is an issue that we need everyone at the table to achieve a made in Cambridge solution for the ongoing crisis," McGarry said.

Candidates have until 2 p.m. on July 27 to file their paperwork to run in the Oct. 22 municipal election.