One east end trustee has announced his intentions to run for city councillor in the Cumberland ward.

Stephen Blais, who serves as the Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) trustee for Orléans-Cumberland, officially registered on Monday, January 8 to run for Cumberland councillor.

Ward 19 - Cumberland is currently held by Rob Jellett.

The municipal election is scheduled for October 25, 2010.

"The city is at a tipping point," said Blais, who is serving his final term as a trustee for the OCSB. "We could either move forward for the better, or we can maintain a status quo."

Blais said residents of Ottawa are in need of some new blood when they are represented at council, and feels that there is no leadership when dealing with the hard pressed issues.

"I just don't see it right now, the leadership," said Blais. "We don't need officials to keep flip flopping. We need people that are going to do what they say they are going to do."

Blais said the east end is in need of some improvements, and city officials are not taking a stand on the important concerns.

For example, when major infrastructure funding was announced earlier this year, Blais feels that the east end did not receive its fair share. He also said that Orléans residents need light rail sooner rather than later.

"What's being done right now, is unacceptable," said Blais.

Blais has grown up in the area, and feels that his experience not only a school board trustee, but as a community association president and his involvement with other east end initiatives will help him garner the support needed to become the next city councillor for Cumberland.

As a trustee, Blais has led the charge with several endeavours including bringing much needed facility improvements to schools, reducing the speed limit on school streets, while also making aware the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle among the student population. He has also assisted in environmental issues, and has helped with balancing board budgets.

Blais has served as a community association president, a coach with Mews Orléans Begals Football Club and is part of a group of Convent Glen residents that have started a campaign raising awareness of the importance of maintaing the Greenbelt.

"I think my track record has proven that I can get things done," said Blais. "I have worked hard to make students lives better and have helped with making my community better."

Blais has already received support from other officials in the education sectors, including trustees he has worked closely with in other school boards.

"I am pleased to be part of Stephen Blais' campaign that seeks much needed change at city hall and for Orleans," said Pierre Maheu, who serves a the French School Board trustee for Orléans. "His leadership and ideas will be instrumental in ensuring Ottawa moves forward rather than being stuck in years of debate."

Running for council has been a thought has been a long time coming for Blais.

"There are a lot of implications which came with my decision to put my name in," said Blais. "I talked to a lot of people who asked me if I ever though about running. I talked it over with people who were important to me. That's when I decided to do it."