Gary Atkinson has joined the race to become the next mayor of Plympton-Wyoming.

Current Mayor, Lonny Napper, announced this spring he would not seek re-election. He’s the longest serving mayor in the merged township’s history.

After Napper announced his retirement, Deputy Mayor Muriel Wright filed papers to become mayor.

Monday, Atkinson, who has served as a councillor for the past four years, filed his papers for the top job.

Atkinson is the past president and director of the Plympton-Wyoming Agricultural Society and a former director of St. Francis Advocates. He’s currently serves as vice chair of the Lambton Agricultural Hall of Fame.
Atkinson also served in a leadership role with the Federal Bridge Corporation.

In a news release, Atkinson says managing growth, including the upgrade of the waste water treatment system, will be a priority in the next term.  “With the expansion we are experiencing, we need to consider the infrastructure improvements needed in our rural areas and at the same time improve our investments in our rural roads.”

There is only one other person who has filed papers to serve on Plympton-Wyoming council so far; Netty McEwen has declared her intention to run for deputy mayor.

Nominations close in August and the municipal election will be Oct. 24.