Tom Shypitka made his mayoral bid official Sept. 3, after filing nomination papers at Cranbrook City Hall.

“I registered a couple of days ago, but it took until today to get the family together to share this announcement. And I couldn’t think of a better way to do it – on my late brother Al’s birthday,” Shypitka said on social media.

“Life moves a million miles an hour. People are busy, and politics can sometimes feel complicated, slow, and full of language that doesn’t always make sense. I get that. That’s why I want to be a mayor who listens, makes things easier to understand, and works hard to have Cranbrook’s back,” said the former Kootenay East MLA, City of Cranbrook councillor and Regional District of East Kootenay board director.

“I was born and raised here. This is home. And my family’s experiences have given me an even greater appreciation for the people, services, and opportunities that make our community such a special place. My wife is a family councillor. We need to keep working toward better access to treatment, counselling, and the resources people need to get back on their feet,” Shypitka outlined.

“My daughter is a third-year nursing student. We need to support our health professionals, first responders, and everyone who looks after us when we need help. My youngest son just graduated from high school and has big dreams of playing hockey while pursuing a good education. That reminds me how important it is to provide arts, culture, and recreation opportunities for all our citizens—and to build youth programs that don’t leave young people behind because of income.”

Shypitka noted his oldest son (not pictured) is a Journeyman Electrician with two kids of his own.

“He and his wife make me a grandfather, and it makes me think of the trades that we all heavily depend on to build a strong economy. My grandkids remind me of the new world they will be forging and that we must do what we can now to clear the way for the next generation with a good societal foundation,” he said.

“I’ve also spent 30 years in business. I understand the challenges local businesses face, and I know how important it is to create a sustainable environment for the backbone of our local economy.

“And through my years as a city councillor, regional director, and MLA, I’ve learned how to bring people together, build partnerships, and get things done in a complex political environment.”

Shypitka said he believes Cranbrook has tremendous opportunity before it.

“We can work together to strengthen our community, support our families, grow our local economy, and make sure Cranbrook continues to be a place where people want to live, work, raise a family, and build a future,” he said

“I’m excited about what we can accomplish together.”

The municipal election is October 17.

Lead image: Tom Shypitka with some family members in front of Cranbrook City Hall. Kris Dickeson photo

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