Recognizing common interests across the entire city is a key element of Rich Gelder’s early campaign for the new Ward 13 City of Hamilton council seat.

Gelder, a Dundas resident for the past 20 years, has taught languages at Dundas Valley Secondary School, as well as the former Highland and Parkside high schools, since 2011. He grew up in Stoney Creek and holds degrees in political science, law and education.

Gelder filed his nomination at Hamilton City Hall on Monday, June 11, joining Kevin Gray and John Mykytyshyn, who both registered on the first day of nominations in May. Coun. Arlene VanderBeek currently holds the Ward 13 seat on city council. Boundary changes mean the ward will be expanded to include part of Flamborough beginning with the 2018 election.

Gelder said running for city council was in "the very back" of his mind for about four years. After following local politics for some time, and feeling the city had not been "pulling together," he became active when city council cancelled a downtown bus lane pilot project. He called it "the spark that ignited the flame."

"We need a change of vision and direction in Dundas and Flamborough,” Gelder said. “We need forward thinkers on council who can see that there are common interests across the entire city."

He said light rail transit is critical “for the long-term economic prospects of the whole city.”

Gelder described himself as an “outspoken advocate” for complete streets, public transit and cycling infrastructure. He is an avid cyclist and runner.

“I am passionate about making Dundas and other communities in Hamilton livable, walkable and bikeable, and this means better public transit for Dundas and the entire city,” he said.

Gelder has volunteered as a track and field and cross country coach at Dundas Valley, and Hamilton Olympic Club — where he also serves on the board, currently as president.

Teaching staff at Hamilton Wentworth District School Board are entitled to a four-year unpaid leave of absence if elected to municipal, provincial or federal office, as part of their collective agreement.

Ward boundary changes mean Dundas is now one part of Ward 13 after being its own ward since amalgamation. Part of Flamborough, currently represented by Ward 14 incumbent Rob Pasuta, was joined to Dundas to form the new Ward 13.

Candidates can register for the 2018 municipal election until 2 p.m. on July 27. Election day is Monday, Oct. 22.