Garth Brown believes the city has a role to play when it comes to establishing programs to help those with addictions.

“Council can help with land,” the 59-year-old who has been sober for seven years after his own struggles with alcohol, said in an interview shortly after submitting nomination papers in the Oct. 15 city election.

He is one of 22 candidates seeking one of six councillor positions.

Having thought he had another week to get his nomination papers, Brown found himself rushing to get the required 10 signatures needed for the nomination deadline and breathing a sigh of relief once the paperwork had been verified by returning officer Norma Felker.

His desire to see a longer follow-up addictions program to the initial treatment segment that’s offered through the territory’s Department of Health and Social Services is spurring his decision to seek public office.

A follow-up program, he argued, would allow for a transition period for patients to learn a number of life skills before they sent out on their own. Right now, he argued, patients often end up back on the street after treatment.

While Brown was able to quit drinking on his own, he noted it’s important that services be available to those seeking help when they are asking for help.

In the 2012 municipal vote, Brown ran on a similar campaign, pushing for better addictions treatment options and more affordable housing options.

He placed 21st out of 22 candidates then with 256 votes in his favour.

Back for next week’s election, Brown said the issues are very much the same as they were three years ago. He continues to want to do “something constructive” for his community.

Brown also volunteers with a number of organizations, including the Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition, the Outreach Van and Blood Ties Four Directions Centre among others.