Mayor hopeful Chad Mason says he would put more dollars into snow removal and spend less money on projects like the controversial bike lanes.
Mason, who recently declared he wants to become Red Deer’s next mayor, said council has missed the mark on some decisions — namely the bike lane pilot project.
“I think it was imposed on the (residents) more than the city wanted the bike lanes,” said Mason, 26, who works in accounting. “In the same stream, most people drive. I think more money should be spent on snow removal. ... Most people do drive. Most people do not ride bikes.”
While he is new to municipal politics, Mason has been on the Wildrose Party constituency board for Red Deer North since 2010 and helped in the last provincial election. Mason said council needs to be reined in and he’s just the guy to do it because he is a good listener and down to earth.
“Red Deer is a pretty good place to live,” said Mason. “I think sometimes (council) gets ahead of themselves to try to be bigger than they need to be. Most people in Red Deer want to have running water, the streets cleaned and order. But other than that I don’t think we need the government going out looking for projects to do like the bike lanes.”
Mason said taxes are going up every year is not acceptable and he would like to see lower taxes.
Mayor Morris Flewwelling is not running in the October 2013 civic election.
There has been speculation that Red Deer North MLA Mary Anne Jablonski may step down from provincial politics to take a run for the mayor’s seat.
“Boy that rumour has gone far,” laughed Jablonski on Monday. “I haven’t made a decision at this time. But it’s highly unlikely . . . I am committed to this job as MLA for Red Deer North . . . well I never say never but it’s highly unlikely.”
Veteran councillors Cindy Jefferies and Tara Veer may throw their hats into the mayoral ring. Jefferies said she will announce her intentions next month while Veer has said it’s too early to start talking about the next election.
Red Deer student Matt Chapin, 26, announced in early October he is putting his name on the ballot for mayor. Chapin ran for mayor in 2007.
crhyno@www.reddeeradvocate.com