A fourth candidate for Airdrie City Council in the October Municipal Election has entered his name into the race.  

Jay Raymundo has raised his family in Airdrie since 2008 and owns and operates NRG Fitness.  The combination of those two things is what is motivating him to run for council.

"I've raised my family here, my kids go to school here, my business was basically built here and with the election coming up I thought it was a great opportunity to give back to Airdrie, the city that supported my business and raised my family.  It's my turn to give back."

Raymundo attended the University of Manitoba, graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons.) degree.  He's been an active volunteer in Airdrie, serving on various community organizations and overseeing events like Asian Heritage Month, Philippine Independence Day, the Philippine Emergency Response Team, the Jumpstart Charity and the St. Veronica's Playground Build Team. 

He was the coordinator for local fundraising events like the Triple Sweat Challenge for Airdrie Angels and has raised money and collected donations for the Airdrie Food Bank.  His list of accomplishments also includes being a self-published author, fitness model, and F45 franchise owner.

In his nearly 14 years in Airdrie, Raymundo has witnessed the incredible growth of the city.  One of his main goals as a councillor will be to focus on the families that also call the community home.

"I just really want to focus on the families here.  With me coming from the fitness industry I want to make sure that our communities remain healthy and active through walkable pathways and bike paths and create those pathways and trails that are located near local amenities to also support small businesses.  Just creating communities where families can be together and remain healthy and active because healthy, active communities are happy communities."

Raymundo is keen to see the city's Downtown Revitalization Plan come together.

"Making sure that the downtown is accessible by foot traffic, creating more foot traffic and making sure that the downtown is more inviting to small business so that we can support the small businesses that are here and the entrepreneurial spirit that Airdrie has."

As a father of three children, Raymundo wants to become a voice to advocate for families in the city.

"Airdrie has supported by family and my business and I just want to be able to give back."

Raymundo joins Reggie Lang, Mark Steffler, and Lore Perez as council candidates who have declared their intention to run in Airdrie.   Candidates have until Sept. 20 at noon to file their nomination papers. 

The Municipal Election is scheduled for Oct.18. 

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