A Vernon resident with election experience is setting his sights on city hall.

Mark Olsen, who has ran provincially for the NDP, will pursue a seat as a Vernon councillor in the Nov. 15 municipal election.

“I have a desire to serve the community,” said the 59-year-old school bus driver and CUPE president.

“Vernon has been good to me and my family and I want to give back.”

For Olsen, a major campaign issue is the long-term sustainability of the community.

“We need to promote  families coming here by creating living-wage jobs,” he said, adding Vernon’s lifestyle and amenities are critical when attracting residents.

“We need to promote the access and location of the (Kelowna) airport and the ski resort. We have a lot to offer,” he said.

Olsen also wants more emphasis on attracting investors to so manufacturing jobs can be created.

“I’d like to work with the other jurisdictions like Coldstream on finding something for the glass plant,” he said.

Another concern is maintaining the city’s infrastructure such as roads and sewer lines.

The other declared candidates are Juliette Cunningham, Kari Gares, Jack Gilroy, Shawn Lee, Catherine Lord, Dalvir Nahal, Bob Spiers and Brian Quiring.