City Councillor Buck Buchanan has officially announced his intention to seek the PC nomination as MLA for Red Deer North.
Currently serving his third term on council, Buchanan said what sets him apart from his fellow nominee seekers is his lifetime of experience serving the public.
“What can I offer the people of Red Deer North? I bring a lifetime of public service. I bring the wisdom and experience earned in 28 years as a member of the RCMP. I have listened and learned and acted for the people of Red Deer as a councillor, now serving in my third term,” he said.
“In addition to serving on many municipal committees, I’ve been able to bring concern to a provincial level as Red Deer’s representative at the Alberta Urban Municipality Association.”
Buchanan added he sees many issues facing Albertans such as economic uncertainty, housing issues and environmental issues but he is eager to greet the challenges that come with finding solutions to these issues.
“There are many, many things that affect us that I ‘d like to be able to address. I believe that I actually have the experience now. My wife is very supportive and my kids are living their lives. I have the time and effort to put into being an MLA,” he said.
Buchanan said the next month or so will be a busy time as he works on a platform, as well as maintaining his council duties. Buchanan has been involved with a number of local committees including the 2019 Winter Games Bid Planning Ad Hoc Committee, the Central Alberta Regional Wastewater Committee and the Red Deer Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) Board.
“I was raised as a conservative – that’s where my stripes have always been. I would probably suggest that I am more the progressive side of conservative, which I think is visible in some social issues I’ve dealt with in council.”
In regards to the Wildrose/PC floor crossings and party changes, Buchanan said he feels there is a place for an official opposition in Alberta, and he is sorry to see some of the decisions that have been made. He added he recognizes that Albertans might be discouraged but he would like to use his experience and skills to represent Alberta through these times.
kmendonsa@reddeerexpress.com
