Longtime Edmonton city councillor Andrew Knack to run for mayor

Ward Nakota Isga Coun. Andrew Knack will run for mayor in this fall's municipal election after previously announcing he would not be running for city councillor.

"What I wanted to put forward is that independent voice, somebody who has the track record over the last 12 years of meeting with people from across the political spectrum," Knack said in an interview with CBC News.

"I don't care if you're right, left, centre, up, down, I want to work with you." 

Knack said in a news release he has submitted his nomination papers to the City of Edmonton to declare his candidacy. 

He is currently the longest-serving member on Edmonton city council, first elected in 2013 for then-Ward 1 in the west end. 

Knack has served on city council for 12 years and has spoken out against the inclusion of political parties in municipal elections in Alberta. 

"Political parties are poison," Knack said.

"We know that the political party system puts party loyalty above service to the actual people you're supposed to represent." 

Knack is known for advocating for more accessible and affordable public transportation, and has pushed to expand the city's bike lanes and multi-use paths. 

He sat on the Accessibility Advisory Committee, City of Edmonton Youth Council and Edmonton Transit System Advisory Board. 

In September, Knack has said he did not want to pursue a mayoral run after opting not to for a fourth term as city councillor.

Knack's official campaign launch for mayor is scheduled for June.

Two mayoral candidates are listed on the Edmonton Elections website: pediatric dental surgeon Omar Mohammad and geological engineer Abdul Malik Chukwudi. 

Other mayoral contenders include Ward pihêsiwin Coun. Tim Cartmell and former city councillor Tony Caterina. Current Mayor Amarjeet Sohi has announced he will not seek re-election. 

One political party, Principled Accountable Coalition for Edmonton, and one slate, Edmonton First, have been registered so far.

Cartmell said his party will be called Better Edmonton and it will consist of "an aligned group of smart leaders" pushing for change.

Slates are temporary groups of candidates during one election cycle while political parties may continue running over multiple election cycles.

Knack has also expressed concerns about what he views as an unfair playing field when it comes to campaign financial contributions for independent candidates versus those who run as parties.

"We're going to be powered by people," Knack said. 

"And yes, we are at a financial disadvantage overall from the system, the structure that has been forced upon us. But the best way to combat that is by getting more people involved."