Waye Mason says it’s time for some new faces at city hall.

Mason, a local entrepreneur and educator, announced on Wednesday that he’s vying to be councillor of the District 7 Peninsula South-Downtown, saying there is a veil of secrecy and dysfunction around the current council and a fresh face is needed.

A 20-year resident of the new district, changed under the boundary district review, Mason said he’s been on the flip side of politics as an entrepreneur and citizen and has worked through the municipality’s “red tape and obstacles.”

“I think that the perspective of having worked through, with, and around the city for the last 20 years will help me to find ways to get the HRM to be more responsive to its citizens and its businesses.”

He was quick to highlight a few high-profile and widely criticized council decisions such as the sale of St. Patricks-Alexandra School, the grossly over budget Washmill overpass and the so-called cash-for-concerts scandal.

“All of these things … concern people in the HRM and how they are handled and the lack of openness and accountability,” said Mason on Wednesday.

Mason admits that running against incumbent Coun. Sue Uteck will be a challenge, but said he believes residents have an appetite for change.

“I wouldn’t be running if I didn’t think I would win,” he said. “A lot of people do feel that council is dysfunctional and the district isn’t getting represented in a way that’s getting us what we need.”