With only a little over an hour remaining until the nomination deadline, Osam Ali visited London City Hall to register as a candidate for the city council in Ward 8.
When asked about his last-minute decision, the software engineer explained that he was motivated to enter the race after noticing only two other individuals competing for the representation of the west-end ward.
“I thought, why not give it a shot and do my best to become one of the candidates? I hope to perform well as a candidate and, if elected, serve the city effectively,” he stated.
Osam Ali is running for a council seat in Ward 8. He also ran but finished sixth in the ward back in 2018. (Andrew Lupton/CBC News)
Ali was one of several late candidates who submitted their nomination papers before the 2 p.m. deadline for the local elections for mayor, council, and school board scheduled for October 26.
Having previously run in 2018 and finishing sixth in the ward, Ali expressed that participating in the election is part of his responsibility as a resident of London.
“Civic involvement, empowering the community, and striving to make our city one of the finest in the southwest region are my goals,” he added.
Paul Gray also submitted his nomination papers as the deadline approached, entering the race for several wards within the Thames Valley District School Board.
Gray mentioned to reporters after filing his documents, “This is my second campaign; I’ve run before. I hope to achieve success this time.” He aims to advocate for enhanced safety in schools and implement strategies to improve student reading outcomes.
With about an hour to go before the 2 p.m. Friday deadline, Paul Gray filed his nomination papers for the Thames Valley District School Board. (Andrew Lupton/CBC News)
Gray expressed that he is undeterred by the fact that, if elected, he and other school board trustees may begin without any authority, owing to the province’s recent takeover of the board.
“I believe I can introduce some innovative ideas,” he remarked. “I don’t think the suspension or limitation of the school board will last indefinitely. I am optimistic that some of their powers will be reinstated. There is hope for the future.”
In total, 69 candidates are contending for 14 city council positions, while 12 individuals are running for mayor.
In the previous election cycle in 2022, there were 10 candidates for mayor and 61 for council.
You can view the complete list of candidates here.