Red Deer local Jerry Anderson is seeking election to Red Deer City council.

He was raised on a farm and moved to Red Deer from Rocky Mountain House in the fall of 1987.

“I have travelled a lot and seen enough to know that what works in one place doesn’t mean it will work everywhere else,” said Anderson.

He has spent most of his life working in the hospitality and transportation fields and has owned his own retail hobby store and a marketing and promotions company.

“I’ve chosen not to put up election signs or posters all over. People and drivers in particular have enough distractions as it is,” said Anderson.

He plans to attend the forums and make himself available to anyone with questions about his stance on issues, but said he is not an “in your face” type of person. He believes the people of Red Deer are more than capable of making an informed decision when they have all the information.

His motivation for getting involved in the electoral race came from the prompting of business and personal friends.

“They have asked me to run because of my stance on different issues. I have closed my store and now have the time I feel it takes to do the job as councillor. This City is big enough now that I think council is a full-time job, not something you fit in between your professional and personal lives.”

For the future of the City, Anderson said he hopes to see council choose projects that benefit the majority of the citizens and not just the special interest groups as he feels is so often the case with the current mayor and council.

“I’m tired of looking out my front window at kids with a cloud of debt hanging over their heads while playing at the new spray park.”

He said the spray park itself is one of the best things the City has done in years and that projects similar to it are what the community needs – not just the special interest projects that favour only a small number of residents.

“Politics for most people has no gray area, you either love it or hate it. I think the best part of being on council would be the interaction and working with different people and community groups.”

He said unless council listens to what is said by the residents, all they’ve done is waste people’s time.

“I was taught a long time ago to pay attention not only to what is said, but to get things done right the first time.”

Anderson has served on several community event planning groups including the Alberta Summer Games, Centennial events, and fundraisers.

The Red Deer Business Networking Group is also something Anderson is involved in as a founding member and co-organizer.

“I believe my business and life experience along with people skills would be a big help as councillor. My ability to think outside the box, attention to detail, and the ability to listen and hear what is being said would be my best assets.”

kpalardy@reddeerexpress.com