Red Deer author Tim Lasiuta wants to bring focus and accountability back to the city council table.
Lasiuta, 50, author of five books is hoping to delve into municipal politics by announcing his candidacy this week.
“At the end of the day if we are not accountable for the people who put us in how can we look them in the eye,” he said.
Lasiuta said council and administration need to be held accountable for their spending decisions. Lasiuta said the city wastes too much money on outside consultants and he would use the expertise within the organization.
“I would like to see good corporate decisions made every day,” said Lasiuta. “So if you have a decision that takes a little longer, make a good decision. Don’t make a hasty one.”
Lasiuta said his working class background and critical thinking will bode well for him on council. Lasiuta said he would be approachable and accountable to residents. Lasiuta was behind the campaign to save the Arlington Hotel, which was demolished several years ago.
“Over the last few years there have been decisions made that have appeared to be hasty,” said Lasiuta. “They have been made with a lens that is missing the working class viewpoint.”
Lasiuta is a member of the Red Deer Centennial Committee and has volunteered for other organizations in the community. He is married and has four children.
“I was raised with values that if you can help, you do,” said Lasiuta. “If you need to volunteer to help somebody, you go do it because that’s the right thing to do. And as a community we don’t do that too well.”
Lasiuta said he would like to see an Olympic-sized pool in the city.
Other city council candidates are Troy Wavrecan, Darren Young, Lawrence Lee, Victor Mobley, Ben Ordman, Jerry Anderson, Dan McKenna, Calvin Yzerman, Terry Balgobin, Dawna Morey, Jonathan Wieler, Janella Spearing, Ken Johnston, David Helm, Serge Gingras, Tanya Handley, Calvin Goulet-Jones, Bob Bevins and Matt Chapin.
Also in the running are incumbents Paul Harris, Buck Buchanan, Dianne Wyntjes, Lynne Mulder and Frank Wong.
Councillors Cindy Jefferies and Tara Veer and newcomers William Horn and Chad Mason are vying for mayor.
crhyno@www.reddeeradvocate.com