There is plenty of campaign experience among the three candidates vying for the job of Red Deer County mayor.
Two-term Councillor Jim Wood, and former three-term councillor Stan Bell will be joined by Debra Hanna, who came close to winning the county’s top job three years ago.
“It’s very exciting times,” said Wood when asked what convinced him to aim a little higher this election. “I have a passion for Red Deer County.
“I believe I can provide the leadership.”
For Bell, who lost his council seat in the last election to fellow Councillor Jim Lougheed after divisions were reorganized, the “challenge of leadership” is ultimately what drew him back to politics. Bell said after nine years on council he thought that might be the end of his municipal service, but was encouraged by others to run for mayor.
The county’s first mayor, Earl Kinsella, announced earlier this year he would not run again after 21 years of municipal service.
Hanna is looking forward to putting the lessons she learned in the last election into action this time. Ensuring good roads and keeping the lines of communication open for residents are among her priorities and she hopes to provide a fresh perspective at the top.
“I think it’s time for a change.”
In the seat left vacant by Wood, three people have put their names forward.
Another council seat has been left open by two-term Councillor Reimar Poth, who decided not to run again.
Poth said that council at times could be a “22.5-hour-a-day job” and he hoped residents felt he had done his best to represent them. But the 57-year-old who until recently ran a telecommunications consulting firm said he is now interested in pursuing other interests, including volunteering, riding motorcycles, hiking and working on cars.
“My objective is do those things I’ve always done, except do them more.”
Among urban communities within the county, a few mayors are facing competition.
In Bowden, incumbent Mayor Cody Berggren will face off against Robb Stuart.
Penhold Mayor Julia King will be challenged by former town councillor Dennis Cooper.
In Sylvan Lake, former mayor Ted Iverson announced late last month he will compete against incumbent Mayor Susan Samson for the town’s top job. The town did not release its full nomination list on Monday.
Town of Stettler Mayor Dick Richards will also face some competition this election.
Richards was unopposed when he ran for mayor in October 2009 to replace Jim Hunter, who had been appointed a provincial court judge. Will Brown has thrown his hat into the ring to make a two-way mayoralty race.
Olds Mayor Judy Dahl was acclaimed.
In Innisfail, Mayor Ken Graham is not up for re-election. Two candidates, including a current councillor, are seeking the post.
In the Village of Elnora, the nomination deadline has been extended for another day. Locals interested in running for one of three seats on council have until noon today. Only two people put their names forward for a spot when the deadline passed on Monday.
pcowley@www.reddeeradvocate.com