John Buikema has been on Smithers council for eight years and as we approach the October municipal election in B.C. he is preparing to step up and run for mayor, following the departure of current mayor Gladys Atrill.

Buikema knows the challenges that face Smithers, how to expand the tax base, utilising the airport and making it facially viable, and bringing some kind of resolution to the homeless encampment by moving forward with a BC Housing project, years in the making.

But will his steady hand be enough to capture votes to be elected mayor in October? Today we speak with John Buikema as he prepares his Campagin.