Mark Pharand is taking a team approach as he seeks to become the next mayor of Bancroft.
“I really want to look at collaboration,” he said in an interview with MyBancroftNow. “The mayor is one of seven on council, we have to remember that. I want to try to get folks on the same page as best we can.”
Pharand said he learned the value of teamwork through a career in law enforcement that includes stints with the RCMP and university police.
Most recently, he has worked in bylaw enforcement in Bancroft but he is taking a leave of absence to run for town council.
Pharand, 60, has lived in Bancroft since 2021 and said he decided to run for mayor a few weeks ago.
“I think we really have to tackle affordability and out of control policing costs. Everything is getting expensive. The town has a finite amount of money through our tax base but that can’t be the only way to generate revenue in our community.”
He has chatted with residents about issues in his work in bylaw enforcement and has attended council meetings.
He wants to use teamwork as the catalyst to work with neighbouring municipalities and the county.
Pharand believes Strong Mayor powers are limited and specific, and should be used with a measured approach.
His campaign slogan is ‘moving forward together’, and he believes that way of thinking will help make Bancroft a better place.
“We can work through things and make this a better town.”
Brad Sinclair and Tracy McGibbon are also running for mayor of Bancroft.
