Five Crazy Days

Great conversations around town these days. Lots of people willing to listen to different points of view without defending or even revealing their own. Just making an informed decision through open discussion, fantastic. Candidates are friendly and collegial, each recognizing the others commitment to the task ahead should they be chosen. It’s been great so far but I’m only 5 crazy days in….. what? I need a minute. Seven days ago, my family figured I had put this all behind me. Content to lead a retired life playing with my grandkids who I love more than life itself. Now I’ve got a website (ok it was a free one I kept from last time but way better now). I’ve got an ad campaign of sorts, media interviews, meet and greets, even some homemade cookies. We have some really cool signs and billboards with more stuff on the way but five days right. Just getting energized. Wrapped up my 1000 km cycling journey tonight and it feels pretty good to be alive right now in such a beautiful city. I have another race to run now.

So, why did I change my mind to run for council? Good question. Likely just stopped lying to myself thinking I could sit back and watch the fire without trying to be part of the team that tames it. My skill set in communications, team building and promotions and marketing are needed on council. I’m also very curious and as a Saskatchewan boy who married a Manitoba girl and had two children born in Alberta. We are committed Canadians and loving Albertans. Pretty much the exact people we as a city are looking to attract right now. I moved here as a 31-year-old man with a young family seeking a better future with opportunities for all of us.

“We need opportunity, we need growth” has been the battle cry for decades and it still resonates today. Over the last ten years we’ve grown by 4000 people a net gain of 400 people per year. Seemingly on track with the province over the last five years but we want more so we can afford the things we need and the things we want. Build the complexes that will attract the young families, find the industry partners that suits our community. Let’s encourage and help our small businesses to succeed. I believe in responsible growth, sustainable growth but not at any cost.

Day 6 starts in just a few minutes.