Calvin Yzerman is hoping the third time’s the charm to secure a seat on Red Deer city council.
Yzerman ran unsuccessfully in the 2001 and 2010 civic elections.
But the 53-year-old hopes his dedication and passion for the city will have voters marking an X beside his name on the Oct. 21 ballot.
Yzerman says he’s a great ambassador for the city, welcoming new residents. He has been married to Liz Iliscupidez-Yzerman for 15 years and has strong ties to Red Deer’s Filipinos community.
One of his goals is to help out the Filipinos business community.
If elected, Yzerman would like to mentor Filipinos with political aspirations.
Other items on his platform include improving safety, transit and snow removal in Red Deer. More open houses and a City of Red Deer booth at the public market are also on his priority list.
“There has been a lot of controversy with some of the decisions the current council has made,” said Yzerman.
“My feeling is there has to be better consultation with the public before any sort of project is considered.”
He said council should take longer looks at items, and broad issues like the fluoride debate should be on the ballot.
“You’re spending limited tax dollars so you have to make sure that you’re making the right decision before you go ahead,” said Yzerman. “We have so many amenities in the city.
“We are so fortunate. I don’t think there’s a rush.”
Yzerman said he would work full time on council to be more visible and accessible to Red Deerians.
Yzerman, a seasonal construction worker with Quinn Construction, has lived in Red Deer since 1961.
Other council hopefuls in the Oct. 21 municipal election are Jerry Anderson, Bettylyn Baker, Terry Balgobin, Bob Bevins, Buck Buchanan (incumbent), Matt Chapin, Stephen 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, Dennis Moffat, Dawna Morey, Lynne Mulder (incumbent), Ben Ordman, Janella Spearing, Troy Wavrecan, Jonathan Wieler, Frank Wong (incumbent), Dianne Wyntjes (incumbent), and Darren Young.
The five-way mayoral race includes Councillors Cindy Jefferies and Tara Veer and newcomers William Horn, Chad Mason and Dennis Trepanier.
crhyno@www.reddeeradvocate.com