Ken Johnston, Red Deer city councillor, has announced his intention to run for mayor in the upcoming municipal election on Oct. 18, 2021. (rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Sheldon Spackman

Brings Council Experience

Councillor Johnston enters race for mayor in Red Deer

Aug 23, 2021 | 2:34 PM

A long-time city councillor has announced intentions to run for mayor of Red Deer in the upcoming municipal election.

Ken Johnston announced on Monday he has officially entered the race for the mayor’s office.

In a statement released to the media, Johnston says it is critical at this juncture in Red Deer’s history that we have a mayor who has proven leadership in the community, in professional life, and the administrative life at city hall.

“A mayor who can lead, collaborate and serve with a dynamic council team toward a greater Red Deer,” reads the statement from Johnston. “Over the next short while, I will also be putting forward a vision and platform that will highlight among other issues, our economic recovery, community safety and crime prevention, fiscal management, stronger neighborhoods, regional partnerships and advocacy for health care equity.”

Johnston was first elected to Red Deer city council in 2013 and was re-elected in 2017.

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His current council appointments include Red Deer Regional Hospital Advisory, Audit Committee, Community Housing Advisory Board, Downtown Business Association, Waskasoo Environmental Education Society, Governance & Policy Committee, and alternate for the Emergency Management Committee.

Johnston’s public and community service includes member and past president of Red Deer Rotary Club, and board member at Westerner Park.

Four other mayoral candidates in Red Deer have also submitted nomination papers for the municipal election on October 18.

They include Bradley James Magee, Dwight G. Hickey, James Allen, and Jeremy Moore.

For a full list of current council, as well as catholic and public school trustee candidates, click here.