Kemi Akapo says that if elected a councillor in Town Ward this fall, she'll help "transform" the city into "a place where everyone feels welcome and everyone belongs."

Akapo launched her campaign in the lobby at Market Hall on Wednesday evening.

About 65 people attended; Akapo said she was overwhelmed to see such a crowd packed into the space.

Although she announced in early April she would seek a seat in the October election, she invited her supporters on Wednesday to hear her outline her priorities.

Those include citizen engagement, affordable housing, jobs, infrastructure, transportation and preserving the natural environment.

Akapo, who works at the New Canadians Centre as the co-ordinator of settlement services, said she's asked citizens what they want from council.

"They want a council that listens to them," she said in her remarks. "A council that is accountable and respectful of citizens."

She also said people care about affordable housing and homelessness. Akapo cares about that, too: she has volunteered before at the Warming Room emergency shelter.

"Housing is a human right," she said. "I will fight for safe, affordable housing so all Peterborough residents have a place to call home."

Akapo is running for one of two seats in Town Ward against incumbent Coun. Dean Pappas, as well as Jane Davidson, Jenny Lanciault and Jim Russell.

The other incumbent in Town Ward, Coun. Diane Therrien, is running for mayor against Mayor Daryl Bennett. Therrien was at Akapo's launch Wednesday.

Akapo grew up in Nigeria. She came here as an international student; she graduated from Trent University in 2009 with a degree in English literature and international development.

She told the crowd on Wednesday that she's been a Peterborough resident for 14 years, and she's lived and worked in Town Ward for the past 11 years.

"It is my home, and I love it here," she said.

The municipal election is on Oct. 22 (which is 80 days away).

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