Former Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA Drew Barnes speaks with the riding's former MLA Lorne Taylor in this October 2022 file photo at the Medicine Hat Lodge.--News File Photo
asmith@medicinehatnews.com
Former three-term Member of Legislative Assembly of Alberta Drew Barnes has announced his intent to run for mayor, with a vision of bringing back the “Medicine Hat Advantage.”
Barnes told the Medicine Hat News he has had multiple people approach him over recent years, asking if he would consider being a mayoral candidate, and he seeks with him a strong vision for council and for the city.
“I’ve lived in Medicine Hat for over 50 years and chosen to raise my family, and now my grandchildren, here because I believe we live in a place that we should all be proud of,” said Barnes.
He continued to say he believes here needs to be a strong focus on responsible spending and sustainable growth for the city to keep strong and relevant alongside the rest of the province, something he says has taken a backseat in recent years.
“Medicine Hatters deserve a municipal government, and a mayor, with the proven skills to bring people together. It’s time to refocus and restore common-sense values,” said Barnes.
He hopes to bring his experience representing the people of Medicine Hat as an MLA to municipal politics, and focus on selling the city as an attractive destination for investment to both the rest of the province and the country at large, while restoring affordability for those who call it home.
Barnes says he intends to lower taxes, as well as work closely with local police and other services to address crime and homelessness within the city, seeking to find a solution with both compassion and effectiveness.
He says he believes it is also the role of the mayor to bring cohesion to council, and says he has already been speaking with some of the upcoming councillor candidates to begin creating the necessary spirit of co-operation.
“After hearing directly from Hatters it’s clear that residents want change. Whether it’s concerns around never-ending property tax increases, scarce job prospects and opportunity, or addiction, homelessness and crime: Medicine Hat deserves better,” said Barnes. “Instead of worrying about narrowing streets and trendy political issues of the day, our municipal government needs to refocus on delivering value for Hatters’ hard-earned tax dollars and restoring trust.”
In the days to come, residents can expect Barnes to be very active in the community, he says, similar to his campaigns as a hopeful MLA. He says he hopes to connect with more Hatters, hear their ideas and learn what matters to them.
