MAYORAL CANDIDATE WINS ENDORSEMENT AT REGISTRATION TABLE

LISA MCGEE LEAVES BEHIND COUNCIL SEAT TO RUN FOR TOP JOB

The first official candidate to enter the Arnprior mayoral race won an endorsement before signing the registration papers.

Lisa McGee and Maureen Campbell arrived at town hall together May 12, vowing to endorse one another but not run as a team or vote as a bloc should both sit on council. McGee, currently on council, runs unopposed at the moment, while Campbell, who works in marketing and communications, is the first to sign on to the fiveseat council race. (Current County Coun. Dan Lynch registered for that position two days after nominations opened May 2.)

"I want to be a part of our rapidly changing landscape, and work to make sure that we are making the best choices to align our small-town charm, and our inevitable growth," McGee said.

She opted not to run for a second term in a council seat because she is confident she could be more effective and responsive to Arnprior's needs from the top job position.

The two met about three years ago over a shared interest in municipal affairs. They've discussed solutions to the affordable-housing crisis and other issues.

"Maureen has been engaged and invested in municipal affairs for a long time," McGee said. "She has been a source of feedback (to me) on issues that we have faced as a town and

a council, and I have valued her input and insight."

She describes Campbell as "a people person," quick to respond to correspondence, with a friendly and

thoughtful approach, and knowledge — particularly on housing.

"She is a perfectly rounded candidate who I would welcome the opportunity

to work with," McGee said.

Campbell and McGee share "a similar mindset" when it comes to conducting themselves with the highest levels of integrity, honesty and a "sense of duty to our community," Campbell said.

McGee lost some support on social media two years ago when she openly criticized Mayor Walter Stack's position on racism in town. Both apologized for breaking the town's code of conduct. Stack intends to campaign for a council chair but hasn't decided on a mayoral run.

Campbell remains impressed with McGee.

"Even beyond those exceptional personal attributes she has a proven track record of supporting diversity and inclusion, a willingness to pursue a progressive, diverse and inclusive approach to policy," Campbell said. "Lisa is a fair-minded administrator who knows the most valuable asset to a team is its personnel."

Election day is Oct. 24.