There will be a little more competition in the Woolwich municipal election this fall, as Elmira resident, Scott Hahn has entered for Ward 1.

Following through on a longtime interest in politics, the local electrician said he decided he wanted to run for council when talk turned to the election around the New Year.

“There are a lot of blue collar, hard-working people in the community, and I think they need a good representative,” Hahn said.

Originally from Heidelberg, Hahn said his main focus right now is on Elmira’s streets, which need some work. He wants to make sure when they’re repaved, they’re done properly the first time. He also is interested in adding more stop signs and advanced green lights coming into town to help ease traffic issues.

“I believe in doing what’s right. Doing it right the first time.”

The 26-year-old is no stranger to hard work or civic duty. He served eight and a half years with the Canadian Armed Forces, an experience he says taught him a lot. Part of that was spent in Afghanistan in 2010, when a number of soldiers left the reserves to do various jobs protecting Afghan people from the Taliban.

“Being in Afghanistan, I can deal with any amount of pressure,” he said. “I’ve got that and good organization skills.”

Outside of work, Hahn is the father of two little girls, Emily and Sophie. He also is a member of the local Royal Canadian Legion and says as soon as there’s an available spot on their executive he’s going to join that as well.

Until last week, Ruby Weber was the sole candidate for that ward. Weber previously represented Ward 1, but lost her council seat in 2010.  Ward 1 is currently occupied by Julie-Anne Herteis and Allan Poffenroth, neither of whom has formally declared his or her intentions.

Incumbent Todd Cowan and former councillor Sandy Shantz are running for mayor. Incumbent Mark Bauman is alone in the race for Ward 2. Newcomers Lisa MacDonald and Larry Shantz are vying for Ward 3, which will have an additional seat this time around, with incumbent Bonnie Bryant having declared her intention to run. The deadline for nominations is September 12.

With the election still months away, Hahn hasn’t hit the campaign trail just yet. Since submitting his name a week ago he said his family has been supportive. He hopes blue-collar folks like him will see the experience he brings to the table.

“I love Elmira and I think I have its best interests in mind,” Hahn said. “I’m part of the community. I do a lot of work in the community and I think I can help.”

Woolwich Township residents head to the polls on October 27.