He wants another term in the captain’s chair, but he wants to run a race to earn it.
“I would love to have a race for mayor – it is about integrity and passion and there are many others in the community with it as well,” he says.
Bumstead’s ties to the community are longstanding. From his own work with the Lakeview Credit Union and Dawson Creek Co-op, to involvement with sports groups.
“I saw the way my parents and grandparents were involved in the history of the Peace, and this has been my home. My Bride and I raised our family here and feel so connected to the city.”
He says the time serving as Dawson Creek’s mayor has been an ‘opportunity to create opportunity’.
“I felt once the prostate cancer was in the past, that it was time to look at running again. Once I received the blessing from my family, I thought it was time to talk running again.”
Bumstead’s home phone number is on his city business card. As is his cell number.
“It is about demonstrating trust and a passion for the city. This council has gotten so much work done on time, and on budget project-wise. We have the water and sewer capacity for 35,000 people now. We are ready for more growth.”
He says the community is confident in the city.
“I’ve been able to build relationships with government, industry, residents and been accessible.”
He says it is still important to find balance.
“It works both ways. Family is the most important thing to me, and being the mayor is a long-distant second,” he says, not worried about what he’ll be up to should he lose an election next year.
“Send me home.”
