Former long-term city councillor Dennis Moffat promises lively debate and pointed discussions while offering experience on Red Deer city council.
Moffat said the nine years away from the political arena have refreshed and rejuvenated him.
“I want to be back in it because it is going to be an exciting time,” said Moffat, who added he missed being at the table.
The 80-year-old says he brings experience and common sense to the table.
Moffat served 27 years on city council until he was defeated at the polls in 2004.
The retired teacher would like to see the city’s 10-year capital plan and the Riverlands development carried out properly, with the right people in place.
Moffat supports building a 50-metre pool and the bid for the 2019 Canada Winter Games. Repairing the damage to the city’s riverbanks from the June flooding is high on his priority list.
Moffat said he takes his time to make a decision after examining all the facts and listening to all the arguments.
He says he knows how the system works.
“Investing in the city is good,” said Moffat.
“Throwing money to satisfy an interest group is wrong. I am not afraid to be wrong. I just want to make clear decisions on the questions that come up.”
Moffat said he is proud of the work he did on council on the Collicutt Centre, Great Chief Park, River Bend and the landfill at the city’s Waste Management Facility. He is a founding member of Central Alberta Theatre.
“Red Deer has been good to me and my family and I want to return something,” said Moffat.
“I like to be involved.”
These days, Moffat is busy running an art studio, the Red Deer Public Market and is a director on the boards of the Central Alberta Co-op and River Bend Golf and Recreation Area. He’s been married to Barb for 52 years.
Other council hopefuls are Jerry Anderson, Betty LynBaker, Terry Balgobin, Bob Bevins, Buck Buchanan (incumbent), Matt Chapin, Steve Coop, Garry Didrikson, Serge Gingras, Calvin Goulet-Jones, Tanya Handley, Paul Harris (incumbent), David Helm, Lloyd Johnson, Ken Johnston, Tim Lasiuta, 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.
The five-way mayoral race includes Councillors Cindy Jefferies and Tara Veer and newcomers William Horn and Chad Mason.
crhyno@www.reddeeradvocate.com