The municipal election in Manitoba is still more than five months away, but the Mayor for Ritchot is wasting no time in announcing his candidacy. Chris Ewen announced Tuesday that his name will be on the ballot for Mayor in the October 24th election.

Ewen won a by-election on July 19th, 2017. He says since that day he has learned a lot about the municipality, about legislation and policies.

"I've met some great councillors and reeves and mayors around that have been able to guide me as well," says Ewen. "And I think we have a great thing here in Ritchot. So I'm very fortunate to be part of it."

According to Ewen, one of his greatest challenges has been trying to learn everything so quickly. He says normally an elected official is given four years. But in only nine or ten months, he has had a very short period of time to learn everything needed in order to make the best possible decisions for residents. And Ewen says it is because his term has been so short that he has decided to hit the campaign trail again.

"That's the number one reason why I want to run again," admits Ewen. "I really want to show the people that I'm here, I'm here to stay and I believe I have so much more to offer for a full term."

He notes 15 months will be a great start, but he still has a lot left to prove.

For Ewen, he says he is all about open communication. Whether that is through Facebook, his Mayor's Blog or through telephone conversations, Ewen says he is easily available to any residents with questions or concerns.

Ewen says he wants to see each area of the municipality bloom. He says he needs to lobby the province for main street revitalization projects in their communities. Ewen notes there is also a great recreation master plan soon to come out, which he wants to be part of.

"I really just want to be part of the growth here and I think there's a great opportunity for me to share my vision and peoples' vision with council," adds Ewen.

Meanwhile, Ewen says he has never worked with such a great group of people. He notes as council they don't always agree on everything, but they all get along. And he says residents have been supportive.