A Winnipeg privacy lawyer is considering a run for the city’s top political job.
"I'm considering putting my name forward as mayor," said Brian Bowman.
Bowman, a fiscal conservative, currently sits on the board of both the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce and the Winnipeg Art Gallery.
"What I would like to see is greater opportunities for recreation, greater opportunities for employment for our young people, including notably our young, growing aboriginal population in Winnipeg," said Bowman.
With a specialty in privacy law, he said he'd like to open doors at city hall.
"My views have been pretty open about getting information out there. I try to practice what I preach by being active on Twitter," said Bowman.
One urban affairs expert said Bowman's business connections and stance on transparency could bode well for him.
"There's a perception out there that city hall is kind of a closed-door place and a lot of information is kept from the public and even councillors who aren't on (the mayor's executive policy committee)," said Colin Fast.
Bowman said if he senses Winnipeggers want the status quo, he won't run. He said he'll make his decision by the end of 2013 or early 2014.
But Bowman isn't a household name like some other potential candidates.
If Bowman runs, he could be joining a packed slate of candidates in October 2014.
Mayor Sam Katz has not ruled out an attempt at another term.
Former councillor Gord Steeves said he will make a decision by the end of the year about whether to run. Current councillors Paula Havixbeck and Scott Fielding have both expressed interest. Forks executive Paul Jordan is also rumoured to be eyeing the mayor’s seat.
Former NDP MP Judy Wasylycia-Leis said she hasn’t ruled out another run at the mayoral job.
- with a report from Jeff Keele
