Jeff Willerton is a man of few words when he speaks about the upcoming election.
“It was a last minute decision,” he said. “Someone convinced me the other day to do it.”
Even though it wasn’t always on his mind, the politically-charged author and writer is now looking forward to election day where he believes name recognition will bolster his chances at becoming alderman.
“I’ve run for office five times at the provincial level,” said Willerton, 46. “Some of those people are going to remember my name.”
Willerton has a put his name forward for election five times unsuccessfully.
His most recent defeat was in 2008 when he ran for the Wildrose Alliance and finished as runner-up to Airdrie-Chestermere MLA Rob Anderson.
Having lived in Airdrie for the last five years, the conservative Willerton said the current council’s liberal ways have to stop.
“On City council, there’s an excessive liberal hue,” said Willerton.
“ICE (InterCity Express) comes to mind,” he said. “They’ve thrown $2 million away on buses that won’t run.”
Three articulated ICE buses were recalled and will not run until further notice.
If elected, Willerton said Airdrie residents could bet that sort of spending will be curbed to help ensure the “Airdrie Advantage.”
“A 20 per cent tax increase over the next two years is not acceptable,” said Willerton, who worked with the Canadian Tax Federation for three years.
What Willerton likes about Airdrie are things he will continue to fight for, namely, keeping the city distinct from Calgary.
“I like Airdrie’s independence,” he said.
“I have no intention of seeking an amalgamation with Calgary.”
