Winnipeg’s ex-bug man might be coming back to the public sector — but this time as a city councillor.

People have been asking Taz Stuart, the city’s former longtime entomologist, to take a stab at running for council.

“I haven’t decided, but I’ve been asked by multiple people to consider running, but I don’t know if I want to do it or not,” said Stuart.

The city’s former chief entomologist said he would either run in Charleswood-Tuxedo, a race without an incumbent since Coun. Paula Havixbeck is running for mayor, or in River Heights-Fort Garry. In the latter race, he’d face incumbent Coun. John Orlikow.

He said his home straddles both wards, so he is unclear on which ward he’d run in.

Stuart’s bug expertise and long, brown curls earned him near rock star status in the city when he worked as its chief entomologist. After almost 10 years in the position, Stuart mysteriously left his job last summer, with little explanation given by himself or the city.

Currently, he works at Poulin’s, a pest control company, as an entomologist and director of information technology.

Royce Koop, an associate political science professor at the University of Manitoba, said in lower level elections like city council, a little name recognition can go a long way.

“Name recognition is massively important, especially in a council seat,” he said, noting Stuart is fairly well-known in Winnipeg. “It gives people a head start — that’s why it is so valuable in places like council races where people wouldn’t get as much media attention.”

The fact that he has previous experience as a city employee will also work to his benefit, Koop said.

“People would see that as useful experience, I think the impression of him was usually pretty positive,” he said. “He’d be associated with a background that I think would be seen as useful for a candidate running for public office.”

On Facebook, a small group was started last weekend calling on the entomologist to run for council.

“Draft Taz!” read the first comment on the page. “Winnipeg city council needs Taz!”

However, Stuart maintains he has no connection to the page and doesn’t know who created it.

kristin.annable@sunmedia.ca

Twitter: @kristinannable