Howie Cyr’s challenger for Enderby city hall has come from within city hall itself.

Greg McCune, a longtime city councillor, has decided to run against Cyr for mayor Nov. 15.

“I’m a little more accessible and more of a cheerleader and that’s what the community needs,” said McCune, 52, who has served five terms.

“It’s a job where you need to be involved with everyone, whether it’s Interior Health with the doctors, or with the regional district on various issues. You need to be on top of things at all times.”

Cyr, who is a former councillor and completing his first term as mayor, welcomes McCune’s entry into the race.

“That’s democracy in action. It gives the community a choice,” he said.

“I believe I have done a good job as mayor and  I like the opportunity to help effect change in the community. That’s what has happened with our team.”

The 63-year-old Cyr, who is a retired RCMP officer, says he is proud of the open relationship that he has established with council and city staff.

“I had a goal to instill a team approach at city hall. Everyone owns what’s going on in the community,” he said.

Among the issues of concern for Cyr are upgrading infrastructure and pressuring the Ministry of Transportation to improve highway access.

“We continue to need to work on economic development,” he said. “We need to find ways to attract business to town.”

The owner of Sutherland’s Bakery, McCune insists the city must focus on making tourists and prospective businesses more aware of the opportunities that exist for them.

“We need to let people know Enderby is an amazing place,” he said.

When asked about priorities, McCune says there is a need for city councillors to be utilized more and keeping in contact with residents.

“People ask why our taxes are so high,” he said.

“It comes down to communications but it also comes down to watching our tax dollars and stretching them as far as we can. People need to understand where their money is going.”