A former executive chef believes he has the recipe for success on Red Deer city council.
Lloyd Johnson, 55, said Red Deer is ready for a change that could start with him.
Johnson said there needs to be a fundamental change in the way the city does business.
He said the current council failed in conducting proper public consultation on the controversial bike lane pilot, a proposed aboriginal project in Clearview North and a plebiscite on a system of representation.
“I can offer decision-making and consultation with the public is a big commitment that every councillor is supposed to uphold and they don’t,” he said.
Johnson was part of the Let Us Vote petition that called on the city to push forward on a plebiscite on a ward system.
He said this election is not about a single issue. If elected, Johnson wants to reassess city spending and tackle the city’s debt.
He promises to balance the needs and listen to all residents in the community. Improving roads and infrastructure is part of his mandate.
Johnson said Red Deer is not a safe city and there needs to be more effort put into increasing safety and reducing crime.
“I have common sense,” said Johnson. “My word is my word.
“You can trust that. And that’s missing right now.”
Johnson has lived in Red Deer since 1994 and was raised in Peace River.
He is a member of the local Metis Association of Alberta and volunteers with Central Alberta AIDS Network Society.
Other council hopefuls are Jerry Anderson, Terry Balgobin, Bob Bevins, Buck Buchanan (incumbent), Matt Chapin, Serge Gingras, Calvin Goulet-Jones, Tanya Handley, Paul Harris (incumbent), David Helm, Ken Johnston, Lawrence Lee, Dan McKenna, Victor Mobley, Dawna Morey, Lynne Mulder (incumbent), Ben Ordman, Janella Spearing, Troy Wavrecan, Jonathan Wieler, Frank Wong (incumbent), Dianne Wyntjes (incumbent), Darren Young and Calvin Yzerman.
Councillors Cindy Jefferies and Tara Veer and newcomers William Horn and Chad Mason are vying for mayor.
crhyno@www.reddeeradvocate.com