It's a horse race in Ward 6! (9:20 p.m.)

Heads up, Frank Manzo!

Draw in your dimples, Ozzie Grandinetti!

If you guys were expecting an easy run in this fall's municipal election, you'd better think again, because local New Democratic Party heavyweight Jeff Arbus is going to run in your always-colourful Ward 6.

The Sault College professor and unsuccessful provincial NDP candidate make the announcement today.

Other candidates who have submitted nomination papers for Ward 6 include Joe Krmpotich, Tony Mancuso and Andy Anich.

Jeff Arbus says his decision to run in Ward 6 came after a lot of thought.

Also, after a lot of discussion with his family and with his friends.

"This is a good move for me and a good move for the ward," he said today after his campaign kickoff news conference at the Sault Theatre Workshop Playhouse.

Arbus talked about the work he's already done in Ward 6 and said that, because he lives there, the interests of Ward 6 are his interests as well.

"I am first and foremost a resident of Ward 6 and a taxpayer and the interests of people when it comes to taxes and services are my interests as well," he said. "I think that there is a need to look at all aspects. The need to hold the line on taxes or the need to be creative should not compromise the need to have quality good-paying jobs that put money back into the economy and should not compromise the rights that all citizens have."

The following is his official news release:

************************* Jeff Arbus launches bid to represent Ward 6

SAULT STE. MARIE - This afternoon at a press conference held at the Sault Theatre Workshop in the heart of the City’s West End, Jeff Arbus launched his campaign to become the next City Councillor for Ward 6.

“I am running because in my life and in my work I make things happen for people. This is what I do and it is time for me to do this as a city councillor.” said Arbus. “The city needs a council with vision, energy, and councillors who are committed to working together for the betterment of the city.”

“For a long time now, the work I've been doing has focused on improving the life of people in my area of the city, Ward 6, as well as the city as a whole. No better example is my chairing of the Air Quality Committee.

"Over the past few years this has allowed me to work with community partners and put a city-wide focus on the need for improvements. And we got results.”

Arbus continued: “This is an especially real issue in the West End, in Bayview, in my own area of Buckley, in Brookfield, and onward north of Second Line. I'm proud of these efforts and believe we have made a real difference for the residents, for their children, for the seniors who live here. I've made good things happen and know there is more to be done.”

Jeff Arbus brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to Sault Ste. Marie City Council.

Arbus is an instructor with Sault College’s child and youth worker program and president of OPSEU Local 613, representing Sault College faculty.

He has been a member of the school council at Korah Collegiate, a trustee with the Sault Ste. Marie and District Labour Council, past-president and leader of services for congregation Beth Jacob, and past-president of the Child Abuse Prevention Council of Sault Ste. Marie, among many other contributions to Sault Ste. Marie.

Stemming from his experience in front-line social services, Arbus has provided human relations and conflict resolution skills training locally, nationally, and internationally.

“As I've talked with Ward 6 residents I've had encouragement to run. People have shared their frustrations and have said to me that they want a representative who will communicate with them, who will show the integrity and accountability they deserve from their representative. I’ve got a proven track record as a leader who gets things done, who makes things happen, who is reliable and energetic and who people can rely on for quality service.” said Arbus.

Jeff is married to Juanita Wood-Arbus, an R.N. and nursing footcare specialist.

Together they have three daughters, Tova, Miriam and Ariella.

*************************