Councillor Allan Hunter has announced that he will seek another term on City Council in the upcoming election.

"My original intent and commitment was to serve for two terms, but I've had absolute outpouring from across the community asking me to 'finish what you've started.' I'm not a person to let a job go."

Hunter said the decision was carefully considered. He recognized that he can be an outspoken individual when he's passionate about an issue he believes is in the best interest of Airdrie and its residents. That outspokenness has in the past led to controversy, which especially takes a toll on his family. Even so, Hunter said his family is behind him one hundred percent in his decision to run in the fall election.

Hunter said his goal is to make Airdrie a destination, not just a cheaper alternative to Calgary. That stems from his concern every spring, when young people in Airdrie graduate and move away. Hunter said that we need entry, mid-level and high end jobs and careers in our city that will keep people here and attract more people here.

Hunter outlined a number of priorities that he'll focus on as he campaigns: Addressing Airdrie's continuing healthcare needs, focusing on traffic volume in the city in partnership with other levels of government, planning and developing Airdrie to keep up with growth, keeping taxes and fees low for young tax payers, getting a new multi-use facility and library centre built, and addressing Airdrie's public safety and policing needs including the issue of domestic violence.

"Those are the bullet points as to what I believe has really been told to me by the citizens that is important to them. It's not about what Allan Hunter thinks is important, it's about what the citizens of Airdrie think is important and we have put our campaign together based on what the citizens have told us."

If reelected, Hunter said he is especially excited to see what a new council can accomplish in addressing the needs of Airdrie.

"I think the most exciting thing here is to recognize that we've got some very concrete things that the citizens have given us to work on."

The municipal election will be held on October 16.

 

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