Ranj Pillai, a former city councillor and past president of the Yukon Liberal Party, said this afternoon he will seek the party’s nomination for Porter Creek South in this year’s territorial election.

Although he lives in the Mountainview riding, Pillai told reporters, he is seeking the nomination in Porter Creek South because he knows the riding and the values it represents.

He’s coached sports at Porter Creek Secondary School for 15 years, and his eldest of two sons goes to the high school.

“Sandy Silver as the Yukon Liberal leader has what it takes to bring Yukoners back to the table and find common ground,” he said.

The 42-year-old held a noon-hour press conference at the top of Pine Street overlooking McIntyre Creek.

Pillai has served three terms as party president, most recently in 2015.

Russ Hobbis, a private businessman, is also seeking the Liberal nomination for the riding, which is currently held by Yukon Party cabinet minister Mike Nixon.

Pillai is the executive director for the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN). If he wins the Liberal nomination, he would take a leave without pay when the election is called.

Pillai served on city council from 2009 to 2012. He was largely responsible for bringing the Hockey Day in Canada show to Whitehorse, along with Don Cherry and Ron McLean.

For his involvement with Hockey Day in Canada, Pillai was given the Yukon Tourism Champion Award in 2011.

See more in Friday’s Star.