Three-term Red Deer County Coun. Christine Moore has announced she will run for mayor.
Moore said in her 12 years on council "I value greatly the trust my residents have placed in me to represent them and be their voice in council chambers.
"I am proud of Red Deer County and the many successes we have enjoyed over the years. However, I see areas for improvement and growth.
"My greatest concerns over the past term have been the lack of public accountability and transparency," said Moore, who represents Division 6, immediately west of Red Deer to the Town of Sylvan Lake boundary.
The handling of the county's broadband project is one of her biggest concerns. The county has spent $30 million on this project and the project has fallen short of its goals to provide broadband service to most county residents, she said.
No one can deny the importance of broadband service but Moore believes it is not the county's job to provide that. "We're not experts in that and it's back to bite us. It's grossly over-budget and less than 50 per cent complete."
Moore is also concerned that the county is borrowing to cover operating costs and to pay for capital projects, such as road construction and maintenance.
"Relying on debt to support operating activities and capital plans is not sustainable," she says.
"It is my desire to ensure that Red Deer County changes course back to a path of sustainability while promoting a culture of trust, accountability and transparency, which the ratepayers deserve."
Moore is optimistic about the county's future.
"Red Deer County is an excellent county. We have so much opportunity here, but I really believe we need to change direction and to become sustainable."
Moore said she voted against the last three county budgets because they're not sustainable. "They're servicing debt just to keep the lights on and we have to do something different.
"We have to be transparent and we have to be accountable to (residents). That's our legislated responsibility and I've been frustrated this term with the lack of that and I understand how residents are feeling," she said, adding they have told her they feel too much is being done behind closed doors.
Moore believes she has the experience to lead the next council.
"I've walked the talk. I've demonstrated the tenacity in asking questions and pushing for information for residents and I listen to residents and I act."
Moore was not happy that when she asked questions about how the county goes about procuring goods and services, a policy was introduced by administration that she believes removed council's oversight role.
That prompted her to put forward a notice of motion for a forensic audit, a review that has now been underway for 19 months.
Moore has served on nearly all of county council's boards and commissions and has been on the boards of Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools, Red Deer Polytechnic, Red Deer Hospice Society, Red Deer District Chamber, Family Services of Central Alberta and others.
Mayor Jim Wood announced earlier this year he would not seek a fifth term. Wood was a councillor for two terms before becoming the county's first mayor in 2010.
Municipal elections are set for Oct. 20.
