More candidates enter the race for next year’s municipal election

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – It may be more than a year away but candidates for the next Calgary municipal election are already coming forward.

The latest candidate plans to run in Ward 2 which is currently held by Joe Magliocca.

Kim Tyers said it’s not too early to throw her hat into the ring and start talking to Calgarians about what she would do differently.

Tyers, who has worked in the office on Conservative MP Michelle Rempel-Garner, said fiscal responsibility is her first priority.

“Prioritizing basic needs and essential services over beautification, revitalization and rehabilitation projects.”

Good morning #yyc! I am excited to share the news that I am running for City Councillor in Ward 2. See my announcement here: https://t.co/l4qaKgj0p2 #Calgary #yyccc #ward2

— Kim Tyers (@kim_tyers) September 17, 2020

She explained Calgarians have had to become more responsible over their own wallets, and she feels City Hall has to do the same.

Magliocca has been battling a scandal throughout the year after he was found to have inappropriately used taxpayer dollars for meals, alcohol, and other expenses during a conference in Quebec.

Tyers said City Council needs to set an example when it comes to finances.

“We’re in the middle of a pandemic, jobs have been lost, businesses have shut down,” said Tyers. “City council needs to get its house in order before they start working on physical appearance on different things like infrastructure.”

Last week, Ward 11 Councillor Jeromy Farkas announced his intention to run for Mayor of Calgary.

In a video posted to Facebook, Farkas said he is running to show Calgarians what the city could look like with new leadership.

https://www.facebook.com/JeromyYYC/posts/1300686306945863

“I’m asking you to think about how much more we could achieve if we leave behind the old ways of doing things,” said Farkas. “And I”m asking you to think about what is possible if only we had a Council that would say yes: yes to responsible spending, yes to transparency, and yes to opportunity.”

Meanwhile, one candidate announced her plans to replace Farkas in Ward 11.

Kourtney Branagan, the former president and board member of the Haysboro Community Association said she will be a vocal proponent for the residents of Ward 11 around the council table.

“As a long-term resident of Ward 11, and someone who has spent over a decade as a volunteer in the community, I’m ideally suited to take the hopes, dreams, and diverse views of my friends, neighbours, and fellow community members to City Hall,” Branagan said.

“Calgary is currently at a crossroads. We have a highly educated and highly entrepreneurial population, and we have an opportunity to move our economy forward and embrace a changing world.”

One political scientist anticipates more candidates will likely come forward soon for council or the mayor’s chair.

“I think there’s a possibility that some of the other people that are on the council that have distinguished themselves in the public eye might look at this as an opportunity for them to make a difference in a positive way,” said Lori Williams with Mount Royal University.

Williams also believes Mayor Naheed Nenshi may not run again next year.

The next municipal election is scheduled for October 2021.