Lee announces intention to run for city council
Third-term public school board trustee Lawrence Lee is taking a run at city council.
On Thursday, Lee confirmed his name will be on the Oct. 21 civic ballot.
Lee said he is ready for change and the Red Deer Public School board could use some fresh and innovative talent around the table.
“Over the years that I have been a trustee school boards have been put more and more to the wayside in terms of provincial government’s taking over their autonomy and ability to negotiate with teacher salaries.
“I think it is time to go put my skill set to better use with the city I love,” said Lee, 49.
Lee was first elected to the Red Deer Public School board in 2004.
In his free time, he is also a director for the Public School Boards Association of Alberta, president of the Red Deer and District Community Society and a member of Alberta’s Asia Advisory Council.
“In general there’s an opportunity for the city to look at more collaborative approaches with other community organizations and to look within itself again and do a review of the way we do things,” said Lee, a senior analyst for a private equity firm.
Lee said he believes in keeping taxes low because he believes it encourages collaboration between community stakeholders.
He said tax increases typically affect those who are least able to afford them including those on fixed income and young families.
Lee has been married for 22 years and has two daughters, 18 and 16.
Of the current nine-person council, seven councillors have confirmed they will seek another term.
Coun. Cindy Jefferies, said she is running for mayor. Councillors Tara Veer, Chris Stephan and Frank Wong have not announced their intentions. Calvin Goulet-Jones, 26, owner of a local tile setting company, and Matt Chapin, 26, a student are also council hopefuls.
crhyno@reddeeradvocate.com
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