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City councillor Buchanan running for Red Deer North PC nomination

It’s now a three-person race for the PC nomination in Red Deer North.Red Deer city Coun. Buck Buchanan announced on Tuesday that he will stand for the Progressive Conservative nomination in the constituency.

It’s now a three-person race for the PC nomination in Red Deer North.

Red Deer city Coun. Buck Buchanan announced on Tuesday that he will stand for the Progressive Conservative nomination in the constituency.

He will face Christine Moore, a Red Deer County councillor, and Matt Chapin on the March 21 nomination ballot.

Surrounded by family, friends and council colleagues, Buchanan, 57, said there is no perfect time but he believes now is the time to take the leap.

All signs indicate there will be a provincial election in the spring.

“There’s many issues facing us today but I believe by working together we can find solutions to these concerns,” said Buchanan, to the crowd about 40 supporters at the Kerry Wood Nature Centre.

“We can and will build a more prosperous Alberta. My decision to run provincially was not taken lightly.”

Buchanan said some of the issues facing the region include court backlogs in Red Deer, transportation from the south into the city, housing and the environment.

Buchanan said he offers a history of public service to the Red Deer North. Buchanan served nearly 29 years a Mountie in places such as Inuvik, Hay River, Toronto, Yellowknife, Burnaby, Innisfail and Red Deer.

“I’ve listened, learned and acted for the people of Red Deer as a city councillor,” said Buchanan.

Buchanan said he was counting on a 2016 provincial election, so he would have served three years out of his four-year council term.

“I am sorry that if in fact I am fortunate to get the nomination and I couldn’t fulfil my time on city council,” said Buchanan. “But I think it’s another role that assists the City of Red Deer. There’s definitely those synergies that take place between our MLA and city council. It’s not so much leaving but being in a different role.”

He is the owner of the security firm X-Cops Inc.

While on council, Buchanan has served on a variety of committees such as Governance and Policy, the Library Board and Regional Waste Management Services Commission Board. He is also a board member representing Red Deer in Alberta Urban Municipalities Association.

Councillors are not required to step down from their council duties when seeking a nomination.

Red Deer North MLA Mary Anne Jablonski is not seeking a sixth term.

Red Deer South MLA Cal Dallas is also not seeking re-election. Darcy Mykytyshyn, a dean at Red Deer College, is the lone contender seeking the Red Deer-South PC nomination. Red Deer South Tories will also pick a candidate on March 21.

crhyno@www.reddeeradvocate.com