Nick Amlin got excited when he heard Fabio Costante had resigned from Windsor City Council, leaving a vacancy.
The 38-year-old Windsor resident found an avenue to make a big impact on many of the social issues he has been working on since returning to the city in 2021.
Amlin said he's interested in advancing residency rights, public safety, removing abandoned homes in the city's west end, supporting small businesses and expanding the city's supervised play program called SUPIE.
"When I heard the announcement, I thought this was an opportunity I couldn't just pass up," said Amlin. "I'm in Ward 2 every day, all day. I'm probably down there more than I'm at home. Figured this is an opportunity to do something good for the community."
Amlin spent 16 years in the military, starting his career at Tilston Armouries and serving in the Arctic, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Iraq, and West Africa, earning several medals along the way.
Following his retirement from military service, he started working on his Honours Degree in International Relations and Development Studies with a minor in sociology at the University of Windsor.
He is currently a Neighbourhood Watch Captain and a dedicated volunteer with the Canadian Red Cross.
Although he lives in Ward 3, Amlin said he spends a lot of time in Ward 2.
"Ward 2 deserves a strong, active, and passionate voice at City Hall," said Amlin. "This byelection is more than just quickly filling a seat. It's about choosing someone who will listen, show up, and advocate every day for the people who live, work, and raise families in the Ward."
The nomination period for the byelection is open until 2 p.m. on September 12.
Advance polling is at Campbell Baptist Church on October 17 and 18, and election day is October 27.