Windsor city Coun. Chris Holt launches mayoral campaign

The race formayor of Windsor, Ont., has attracted its first high-profile candidate Ward 4 Coun. Chris Holt.

Holt announced his candidacy on Tuesday, saying that residents shouldn't have to settle for "adequate" services.

"With unprecedented investments coming, it's time to elect a leader with a complete grasp on how to build a resilient and sustainable city. It's time to elect a leader that listens to you in building that city," he said at his campaign announcement outside city hall.

Holtsaid the vision he is proposing would not require increasing the budget.

"It just requires thinking about everybody, putting all of the ingredients for a great city into thepot instead of just a couple we have on hand."

Holt said he plans torelease afully costed platform that includes "drastic increases" in public transportation spending.

Other candidates

Holt was first elected in 2014 andrepresentsWard 4,which includes part of the downtown and the communities of Walkerville and South Walkerville.Holt works at Ford Motor Company and isco-owner of a brewery.

Holt's announcement follows news that one of his political allies, Coun. Rino Bortolin who had considered a mayoral runis not seeking aseat in the race.

Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens has not declared candidacy so far and has said he will be focused on governing until the "very last moment when I have to make a decision."

Dilkens weighed in on Holt running for mayoron Facebook, saying thatHolt's "radical voting record would be too risky and could derail our accomplishments."

"I've worked with CouncillorHolt on city council for eightyears and understand the perspective he brings I just don't find myself agreeing with him very often."

Dilkens said that he welcomes and encourages all candidates.

"There will be plenty of time for a robust campaign later this year, but for now, I'm focused on delivering results for residents and completing this term," he said.

Two other mayoral candidates have alsodeclared so far,Ernie Lamont andBenjamin Danyluk.

In Ward 4,Kristen Siapas,Patrick Sutherland andEdy Haddad have registered to run.

The deadline for candidates to declare is Aug. 19. Ontarians will elect their nextmunicipal governments on Oct. 24.