A contender supported by influential political figures is gearing up to join the race for mayor of Ottawa this year. Alex Lawson, the owner of a local construction company, expressed his intention to run, citing a decline in city services since his vote for Mayor Mark Sutcliffe in 2022.
Highlighting the need for improvement in Ottawa, Lawson emphasized his focus on addressing key issues such as housing, affordability, transportation, traffic management, and public safety with a solution-oriented approach. He aims to restore the city to a state where essential services operated more effectively.
Unlike fellow candidate Kitchissippi Coun. Jeff Leiper, known for his progressive advocacy, Lawson, despite his previous involvement with the Kanata-Carleton Conservative Association board, does not identify himself as a conservative candidate. Emphasizing the non-partisan nature of municipal politics, Lawson believes that diverse solutions are essential for addressing various challenges.
With a background in running his business, Capital Framers, which employs 17 individuals, Lawson acknowledged his lack of experience in political campaigns. To bridge this gap, he has assembled a team of seasoned political experts, including his half-brother Emrys Graefe as campaign manager and renowned Conservative strategist Jeff Ballingall overseeing the digital campaign.
Lawson’s campaign has also reached out to senior Liberals for support, with Quito Maggi, a seasoned figure in Liberal campaigns, serving as the campaign chair. Despite concerns of a potential vote split, Lawson remains confident in his ability to offer distinctive solutions that will resonate with voters.
Looking ahead, Lawson plans to unveil detailed policy proposals as the campaign progresses. His initial priorities include addressing transit issues by revitalizing the city’s transportation system, particularly in response to challenges posed by the Light Rail Transit (LRT) system. Additionally, he aims to bolster support for housing construction and improve mental health services in the city.
Beyond his business and political engagements, Lawson has been actively involved in community initiatives, such as serving on the board of the West Carleton Disaster Relief organization and working as a lobbyist focusing on technology and construction matters.
