The race for the mayor’s chair in Charlottetown has officially begun.
Social media personality and marketing events manager Al Douglas threw his hat into the ring on Thursday for voters to consider when they elect a new mayor and council next November.
At 30, Douglas is certainly younger than political candidates tend to be but he doesn’t see that as a disadvantage at all.
“I’d say it's an advantage . . . looking at my work history, what I’ve done in the community, whether it is anyone from 19 to 119 is to be able to engage everyone,’’ Douglas said. “I want to engage the youth and let them know their voice is going to be heard but (also) engage the seniors citizens and make them aware I’m listening to them as much as I am listening to anybody else.’’
He also jumps into the race with no political experience. Again, he sees that as a plus.
“It’s time for fresh ideas and new ideas in government and that has to come from somewhere. I don’t think the lack of experience is going to take away from the experience I have doing everything else in the community.’’
Douglas bio
- Attended Sherwood School, Stonepark junior high, Charlottetown Rural High School
- Elected to board of directors of Music P.E.I. (2013-present) and East Coast Music Association representing P.E.I. (2014-present)
- Former ski patrol member at Brookvale
- Movember P.E.I. committee co-chairman (2011-present)
- Work experience includes event co-ordinator with Tourism Charlottetown, operations manager with Cavendish Beach Music Festival, director of branding and community engagement with P.E.I. Brewing Company, marketing events manager with Murphy Hospitality Group
- Active and engaged mental health advocate
- Raised more than $20,000 in last two years for Food Bank in Charlottetown and other food security initiatives in P.E.I.
Douglas is a lifelong resident of Charlottetown. He attended Charlottetown schools and grew up in the neighbourhood of Sherwood where he still lives. His professional life has provided him with the opportunity to organize and manage tourism and entertainment events with Tourism Charlottetown and the P.E.I. Brewing Company. He has been an active volunteer in promoting the arts, including as director on the board of Music P.E.I. and the East Coast Music Association. He also considers food security and mental health important issues.
Douglas said he declared for mayor almost a year in advance to give himself time to knock on every door in the city and meet with everyone.
His campaign chairman is Gord McNeilly, who narrowly lost out on winning a seat for the NDP in the last provincial election.
“He’s inspiring and he’s going to inspire a lot of people to get involved and to help Charlottetown,’’ McNeilly said. “He loves Charlottetown. That’s why I didn’t hesitate to come help him because this is what I believe the community needs.’’
Douglas doesn’t want to get into issues or his platform at this point, other than to say that he stands for “open and transparent government leads to good government’’.
“It’s really just about listening to the people (right now) . . . to hear their concerns and hear their ideas and it’s a full year to do that. I don't think we need to get into (platform) so soon now.’’
Douglas said he doesn’t have anyone with deep pockets funding his campaign, explaining that he will divulge every $500 donation on his website at www.aldouglas.ca. He noted that donations are capped at $500.
“Every single person who donates to the campaign will be listed on the website and that’s starting out from right now.’’
