Kelly Suits C.D. says it’s time for a change.

That’s why he’s running for mayor in the Oct. 18 municipal election.

Suits is one of five mayoral candidates in the race. He turned in his nomination papers Thursday morning, more than an hour ahead of the noon deadline for candidates.

In an interview Thursday, Suits said that while he has no issue with incumbent Dan Curtis, it’s time for a fresh approach.

Born and raised in the community, Suits highlighted his diverse career experience over the years.

He has worked a variety of jobs, from a reservist to a correctional officer to a park warden who spent time on the Chilkoot Trail to a wildland firefighter. He is currently a casual bus driver with the city.

While he works for the city, as a casual driver, he noted, he will not be working in the role during the campaign. City employees are required to take a leave of absence when seeking office.

Suits is one of two mayoral candidates who have jobs with the city. Bylaw officer Colin LaForme is also seeking the seat, and has taken a leave of absence from his job during the election period (see Thursday’s Star).

Suits believes his experience working “in the trenches” in a wide range of roles would serve him well as the city’s next mayor.

He said he knows of many who want to see things done differently.

Among the major issues facing the city, Suits first highlighted traffic, noting it has increased in recent years.

He pointed to roundabouts in other jurisdictions and the success they’ve had in better controlling traffic.

He said he’s not sure if more are needed in Whitehorse, but suggested it may be worth exploring.

“They do work,” he said.

Just as the city’s expanded population has impacted traffic, he also pointed to the impact it’s had on housing, and his personal difficulty in finding housing.

“I’m just wondering how that happened,” Suits said of the current situation.

He recalled a time when Whitehorse was more of a small town.

He said it makes him sad that the capital has become “so busy so fast,” but at the same time, he acknowledges that progress can’t be stopped.

“We’re a city now,” he said, highlighting the need to deal with the housing shortage.

“I don’t think anybody knows what to do about housing,” he said.

Suits said he would likely push for building smaller homes that could be rented out at more affordable rental rates.

The Yukon Bureau of Statistics reports the median rent in Whitehorse in 2017 was $950 monthly.

Suits noted there are many issues in the city right now, and he’s open to hearing about those issues and solutions residents might bring forward.

The other mayoral candidates are Rick Karp and Wilf Carter.

Voters will go to the polls on Oct. 18, with advance polls on Oct. 11 at city hall and the Canada Games Centre and on Oct. 13 at the Canada Games Centre.

See roundup of community elections, acclamations, letters.