A second sitting councillor has announced he will seek re-election in October’s municipal election.
Coun. Wes Brodhead, who is wrapping up his first term on city council, said Tuesday he is proud of what he has accomplished in his first three years on council and is ready to do even more in the next four years.
“I think going into the next four years, St. Albert will continue to see the growth we have experienced over the last little while,” said Brodhead. “I want to provide leadership as these lands develop so that the award-winning community we have today exists four years from now.”
Brodhead also retired this spring from his position with Edmonton Transit as director of bus operations, so he now has more time to devote to council duties.
“I found that difficult when I was working for Edmonton Transit. It was a big job I had there and to do both well wasn’t really possible.”
Now with three years under his belt, Brodhead said he is better prepared to tackle a few of the issues on which he made progress in his first term. Chief among them is economic development.
“The whole focus on economic development … is one thing this council can be happy about and proud of. We had to make some pretty strong decisions.”
Brodhead also wants to continue to advocate for more affordable seniors’ housing, specifically lobbying the province for funding for construction of the final stage of North Ridge Lodge as well as exploring other possibilities.
“We have to advocate for the province to get on board but we don’t have to worry about land,” Brodhead said. “We have land there and that’s important.”
Brodhead also said he will continue pushing for train whistle cessation in the city. He, more than anyone on council, has wanted to upgrade the city’s train crossings so the city can negotiate with CN to stop trains from blowing their whistles as they pass through the city limits. A recent $400,000 increase in costs to the city has put that process on hold.
“I know many in the community, if you live far from the tracks, don’t understand my commitment to this project, but if you live close to it and your sleep is disturbed, you’ll understand why that’s done.”
The 2013 municipal election will be held Oct. 21.
