Strengthening partnerships and building for growth are key for a Red Deer city council incumbent making a run for a third term.
Coun. Buck Buchanan said he has a lot of unfinished business that he would like to settle over the next four years. The second-term councillor said he wants to make more headway in safety, poverty reduction and transportation needs in the city.
Buchanan, 55, said the world is changing and the younger generation is choosing places to live for the amenities and not solely for a job.
“If we need a 50-metre pool, another recreation centre or whatever, then let’s get it,” said Buchanan.
“Let’s move in that direction. Let’s make that happen so that we have the facilities so our own people have the benefits to use and it’s attractive to people to come to the community to live.”
Buchanan said he brings a balanced and logical perspective to the table. Buchanan is a former RCMP officer of 29 years. He worked in Central Alberta, Ontario, British Columbia and the Northwest Territories as a police officer.
He is the owner of X-Cops Inc., a security company.
The father of three said the partnerships with Westerner Park and Red Deer College, Central Alberta Crime Prevention Centre, Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) and other community groups will only make Red Deer stronger.
“The partnerships are what make us what we are,” said Buchanan. “We pull together to do stuff. That’s what all the partnerships are about.”
Buchanan said relationships with other Alberta municipalities, urban or rural, are important because everyone is in it together.
If re-elected, Buchanan will run for a position on the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association to further the needs of Red Deerians. He would also push for a joint conference with the rural and urban municipalities.
Newcomers Jerry Anderson, Dan McKenna, Terry Balgobin, Dawna Morey, Victor Mobley, Jonathan Wieler, Janella Spearing, Ken Johnston, David Helm, Serge Gingras, Tanya Handley, Troy Wavrecan, Darren Young, Lawrence Lee, Calvin Goulet-Jones, Bob Bevins and Matt Chapin are also in the running. Incumbents Paul Harris, Dianne Wyntjes, Lynne Mulder and Frank Wong are seeking another term.
Councillors Cindy Jefferies and Tara Veer and William Horn and Chad Mason are vying for mayor.
crhyno@www.reddeeradvocate.com