THUNDER BAY – Larry Hebert is running for mayor.
The three-term at-large city councillor on Friday confirmed one of the city’s worst-kept secrets, saying he is planning on getting out of the municipal politics game and figured he’d take a shot at the city’s top elected position before heading toward retirement.
Hebert, 70, is the former head of Thunder Bay Hydro and a long-time volunteer in the sports community, whose accomplishments including bringing the World Junior Baseball Championship to Thunder Bay in 2010 and the U18 Baseball World Cup to the city last September.
Hebert joins fellow at-large Coun. Iain Angus and 2006 mayoral runner-up Jim Gamble on what’s expected to be a crowded ballot to replace outgoing Mayor Keith Hobbs, who has not completely ruled out a run at a third term in the mayor’s chair.
“I’ve had three terms on council and learned a lot,” Hebert said. “There’s still a lot to learn, but I thought I don’t want to do (that) anymore, so I’ll take a chance and run for mayor. I know there’s a lot of good competition and I may not get a seat, but so be it.”
Hebert, who finished second in the at-large race behind Angus in the 2014 municipal election, said he brings plenty of experience to the table.
“I’ve been dedicated to the community my entire life. There’s my involvement with the university and various sports events around and all kinds of charitable things. I volunteer at Shelter House through our church … so I think I bring a wide array.
“Others have better credentials. I’m going to run a clean campaign. I’m not going to get down in the mud with anybody and do anything with anybody. I want to keep it a clean campaign.”
The nomination period, which has been shortened in 2018, opens on May 1 and closes on July 27.
Hebert was first elected to council in 2006.
Others rumoured to be considering a run for mayor include former CBC reporter Shane Judge, Coun. Frank Pullia and former mayor and Liberal MP Ken Boshcoff.
Follow Leith Dunick on Twitter: @LeithDunick
