Erin councillor announces he's running for mayor

ERIN – A two-term Erin councillor is aiming for the mayor’s chair in the fall election. 

Rob Smith, first elected to Erin council in 2014, has submitted his nomination papers to run to be the mayor of Erin. 

Smith said in a phone call he feels it's a natural progression from his eight years on council and before that serving on the environmental advisory committee. 

“It just seemed like the next logical step, I’m passionate about my community and that’s really the reason behind it,” Smith said. “I know what’s going on and I have a family that’s basically spent their life in Erin now.”

Smith is the owner and president of Erin Auto Recyclers since 2005, which he said he cleaned-up and made changes to help protect the Town of Erin’s drinking water and has otherwise been involved in numerous tree planting projects in the town. 

“I’ve been involved in things in town since I got here, this is my community and I have no problem giving back to it,” Smith said. 

Going forward, Smith said he sees the upcoming growth as one of the biggest challenges but also opportunities the town is facing. 

“We’re at sort of a crossroads now when it comes to growth and I think it’s an important time to sort of get a handle on the growth,” Smith said, who added he is a founding member of the chamber of commerce and sits on the economic development committee. 

“A lot of avenues are opening up for the town in respect to tourism, in respect to obviously businesses, there’s going to be a big opportunity for businesses to capitalize on the growth.”

As of Wednesday afternoon, no one else has submitted their nomination papers to run as mayor in Erin’s fall municipal election. 

Current mayor Allan Alls was not immediately available for comment on if he plans to run again but has previously told EloraFergusToday he had not decided yet. 

Prospective candidates have until Aug. 19 at 2 p.m. to submit their papers. 

Municipal elections will be taking place province wide on Oct. 24.