Larry Culham is running for deputy mayor in Clearview Township.

The 53-year-old Stayner resident filed his papers this morning.

Culham said he had been considering standing for election four years from now but when he saw a low number of people filing, he decided the timing was right.

“There could be acclamations in six and of nine wards until today and I don’t know if that’s healthy and I’d like to engage. I’d like a seat at the table,” said Culham.

He said there are already two solid incumbents running in Wards 3 and 4, people he believes are doing a good job, so he decided to file to run for deputy mayor.

“I think there’s an opening for my input as deputy mayor,” said Culham.

Culham, a former newspaper editor with the Stayner Sun group, works as a realtor with Paul Fisher Real Estate in Stayner. He is married and a father of four.

“It’s a privilege to be able to run. I’ve got the skills. I’ve followed council issues personally and professionally for many years. And I come at this with a fresh set of eyes. I think I can bring the voters’ issues to the table and help find new solutions,” said Culham. “I want to listen and be responsive to voter concerns. But I also want the ability to engage and advocate back to residents about the kind of partnerships and solutions I think we’ll need to continue working towards Clearview’s strategic goals.”

Waste diversion, transit and affordable housing are among Culham’s key issues.

He is a member of the Stayner Chamber of Commerce, the township economic development committee and a former member of the PARC project steering committee.

He is an active member of his church and volunteers with the food bank.

Culham, a fifth generation Clearview resident, has lived in Creemore and Sunnidale. His great-grandfather and grandfather were council members in the former Sunnidale Township.

Culham is running against Barry Burton.