The rumours have swirled around town for months now, but John Trude is putting the rumours to rest.
The former Collingwood OPP detachment commander confirmed earlier this week he will be running for mayor in the October 2018 municipal election.
“I’m not a rumour type person,” said Trude. “I’ve been thinking about it for a while. I’ve always been a community person… when I retired I was tired. But I started thinking, ‘I’m not done yet, I think I can make a difference'.”
Trude has been a police officer in the area since 1984, before Collingwood had an OPP service. His wife, Jan Trude, was born and raised in Collingwood, and now owns Tim Hortons restaurants in town.
Trude was detachment commander from 2004 to 2016.
“I had to work in collaboration with other departments to get it done right,” said Trude. “I had to solicit input from a number of sources to make the right decision for the right reasons at the right time. I think that’s very connected to the role of mayor and civic leader.”
He said he was approached by several people in the community who asked when he was going to run for mayor. When he heard current Mayor Sandra Cooper announce she would not seek reelection as mayor, he thought this was the right time.
He said the role of mayor best matches his previous experience.
“The mayor provides leadership to council, and I think that’s my strength,” said Trude. “I can help build consensus and a common purpose and I think with that, there’s a lot we can do. I’m a big believer in that potential.”
Over the years, Trude has seen the extreme growth in Collingwood and the surrounding municipalities and noticed the struggle to balance that growth with town services both in the ground and above it.
“It’s not just people born and raised here anymore, they bring experience and expectation with them,” said Trude. “We have to recognize not just where we are but where we are going to be and working to get there and make sure everyone knows where we are going.”
While Trude can’t start campaigning yet, it hasn’t stopped him from a little flattery.
“Collingwood’s been through a lot,” said Trude, referring to the closure of the shipyards and other major industries. “There were challenges that were extremely difficult, but the community as a whole rose up together and met those challenges. And that sets Collingwood apart.”
The municipal election will take place Oct. 22, 2018. Nomination papers can be filed between May 1 and July 27.
