A local businessman has announced he will vie for a council spot in the upcoming municipal election.
Bob Bevins, 48, officially kicked off his campaign by announcing his intentions on Monday. He joins three other candidates as part of Red Deer First.
Bevins moved to Red Deer 15 years ago after growing up in Prince Edward Island. After studying business and accounting he decided to move to Red Deer. In 2007 he opened Bulldog Metals, a metal recycling business.
Bevins said he has always had an interest in politics, but from afar.
“What’s made me want to run for council is friends of mine and I would discuss some of the problems the City was having like the bike lanes and the cost of the civic yards, so I decided I can sit here and complain or I can do something about it,” he said. “I decided to be active rather than someone on the sidelines complaining.”
In his campaign, Bevins said he will focus on City spending.
“If it isn’t a need and it isn’t going to enhance the quality of life for our citizens, do we need to spend the money? I’m not a big believer in pet projects,” he said. “I also think we can create a better business environment. I don’t think the tax rates are really that great here compared to other municipalities for businesses.”
He added Red Deer should be a place where businesses want to be “Instead of Red Deer County or Sylvan Lake.”
In addition, Bevins said there are many things to enjoy about Red Deer.
“It’s a family City. I like the Kerry Wood Nature Centre and I like the paths you can walk on. I like the facilities and I realize that tax dollars have to be spent for those types of facilities and I appreciate that.”
He said one thing that does concern him is the crime rate in the City.
“But I think overall it’s a great place to raise a family. And it’s right between Edmonton and Calgary – it’s not a great big City but everything you need is here.”
Bevins said if he is elected to council he would bring a business sense and fresh perspective to council.
“The thing about council is when you’re spending other people’s money, it’s a lot easier to say yes. Red Deer is not a business but they insert themselves into opportunities like a business – they lend money and they give subsidies to certain golf courses. They’re competing with business but they don’t consider themselves a business,” he said. “I think we can make our City even better if we strive to live within our means and leave our children a financially responsible and safe City. That is why I am running for Red Deer City council.”
efawcett@reddeerexpress.com
