Another political hopeful has thrown his hat in the mayoral ring in Red Deer, creating a three-way race.
Taxi driver William Horn joins Coun. Cindy Jefferies and Chad Mason in the running for mayor.
Mayor Morris Flewwelling is not seeking re-election.
Horn is a taxi driver who holds a masters of business administration from the University of Alberta.
Horn said his strong business know how and his project management, production scheduling and planning history make him the right choice for mayor. He said a good city council should be made up of people with various degrees.
The 56-year-old said he doesn’t see anyone else with higher qualifications running for mayor. Horn said a new person could run for council and learn the ins and outs, or he or she could run for mayor and not be corrupted by the politics so that might make him a better choice.
“One thing that I don’t agree with is the present municipal system,” said Horn. “You don’t have loads of talent showing up. What I think should happen, you should vote for the eight councillors and have a runoff for mayor.”
Horn said people should cast a vote for him because of his business experience, his degree and his belief that spreadsheet modelling for decision analysis has to be used more often in making public policy decisions.
Horn said there’s a lot of opportunity in Red Deer for change. He would like to see changes to the city’s tendering and bid process and more emphasis on environmental issues in the city.
Horn would also like to see councillors work on a full-time basis for simple due diligence.
“I think it is time the citizens of Red Deer realize that being on council is no longer a part-time position,” said Horn. “It’s a full-time position.”
Horn has driven a cab for about seven years and previously he worked in oilfield production and telecommunications in Red Deer and Calgary.
In the running for council are David Helm, Serge Gingras, Tanya Handley, Troy Wavrecan, Darren Young, Lawrence Lee, Calvin Goulet-Jones and Matt Chapin. At least four current councillors, including Paul Harris, Dianne Wyntjes, Lynne Mulder and Buck Buchanan, will seek re-election.
crhyno@www.reddeeradvocate.com