Contributed by Paul Harris:

Paul Harris and Terry Warke

Jonathan Wieler

Jordy Smith

Ian Miller

It’s time to pass the torch.

On Monday evening. I’d like to introduce you to three young, passionate, and bright candidates. Jonathan Wieler. Jordy Smith and Ian Miller. These are my choices for the council.

It’s been seven and a half years since the citizens first came to me (for the second time) and asked me to be a councillor on their behalf. That time, I accepted the invitation. Civic democracy works that way — we look around among ourselves for someone to represent us, then we ask them to step into the fray. Some do, some can’t, some don’t want the responsibility, some just can’t imagine the challenge it would be deal with so many competing viewpoints — some run for the hills.

We try to elect citizens we trust and hopefully have the skills to navigate a system to make changes that serve the community for the better.

Two terms, and seven years of council service it’s once again time for the community to look around and select new councillors to serve us.

It is the function of democracy and civic governance to find the right people to move us all in a direction that serves the most without forgetting that our community is diverse in its interests, heritage, personalities, attitudes, backgrounds, and experience.

I believe that we need visionary young people that help us rise to meet a future coming toward us — much more quickly that we may think. I have deep concerns over the slow speed of our community change. Even as we continue to make forward-looking choices, I feel we are falling behind many communities in Alberta and Canada, particularly with our culture facilities, our shift to renewable and sustainable energy systems, transportation infrastructure, safety and crime practices. We should be moving more quickly, with a focus on long-term well-being.

Over my time with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with young elected officials from coast to coast to coast, and I can tell you that you won’t go wrong by electing young passionate people to help govern.

I’m looking for councillors that have the energy, drive, and enthusiasm to lift our community to the place it aspires to be.

A younger generation will inherit this community, its strengths and its weaknesses. Young citizens need to get to the polls, actively participate, and engage with governance. Red Deer needs you. We need you. The future needs you.

Click here to learn more about these three candidates.

Jonathan Wieler

Jordy Smith

Ian Miller