A third candidate has entered the election race for Ward 4 in Hanover.

Curtis Dawydiuk joins a list that already includes Mel Kachur and Mel Funk. The three are vying for a seat in a ward that includes the communities of Sarto, Pansy and Friedensfeld. Current Councillor Dylan Barkman has already announced he is not seeking re-election this year.

Dawydiuk says he is passionate about agriculture and tourism in the region. He has been involved with the Hanover Ag Society for 12 years and is currently serving as President. Dawydiuk says he has also held a seat on the Community Centre Board in Grunthal for many years, serving in a number of different capacities.

Though he has never run for politics, Dawydiuk says it runs in his blood. Both of his parents served as school board trustees and Dawydiuk says politics is something that has always interested him.

If elected, Dawydiuk says he wants to make sure the good synergy continues between the six wards. He also looks forward to working with neighbouring municipalities and other organizations on water-related issues. Dawydiuk says when it comes to spring flooding concerns, long-term solutions are needed, not knee-jerk temporary fixes. In addition to that, he will strive to address rural crime issues, maintain good infrastructure, roads and agribusiness in Hanover, while staying fiscally responsible.

Dawydiuk says the decision to run for office is not one he made lightly.

"It is a large commitment," he says. "Your life becomes public when you run for public office."

Dawydiuk says it's not that he has something to hide, in fact, he believes councillors need integrity as there is no room for shadiness.

"I hope to keep it that way," he says. "I believe the RM is running very clean and I hope to keep it that way."

The municipal election is October 24th.