Wooden Monkey owner Lil MacPherson to run for mayor of Halifax

The owner of the Wooden Monkey organic food restaurant says she will run for the mayor's job in Halifax in October. 

Lil MacPherson made the announcement on Earth Day to highlight her concerns about how the city is addressing environmental issues. 

"We're not at all talking about this," MacPherson said. She recently returned from the United Nations climate change conference in Paris, where she was inspired by suggestions about what mayors can do to reduce the effects of climate change. 

"They talked a lot about municipalities' responsibility. We're on the front line of climate change," she said. "It really made me come back to think about this more." 

MacPherson said she's also very concerned about commercial taxes on small business, and whether Halifax is friendly toward "green" businesses. 

"We're not ready as a city. As a business owner, I've opened three businesses in the last twelve years and we're not ready," she said. 

Running against Mike Savage

Mayor Mike Savage has said publicly he will run again in the Oct. 15 municipal election. MacPherson worked on Savage's campaign and says she knows the incumbent will be tough competition. 

"I know I'm an underdog. I'll say that for sure. I'm a realist — it's going to be tough. But I just feel that I have to do this," she said. "I'm nervous and scared to do this, but I'm more nervous and scared not to do it. I hope at least I can change the conversation and what's going on at city hall."

"I'm optimistic. I think it's going to be fun. Mike's a great guy," she added. 

MacPherson said she will take the next month to work on her platform and formally release it at an event at the end of May.