Don Leask is the latest candidate to enter the race for Cochrane town council in the upcoming municipal election on Oct. 20.
Leask says he is running to help protect Cochrane’s identity as a safe, family-friendly community at a time of rapid growth.
“With the rapid growth going on, we need leadership that ensures development is managed, and not at the cost of our town’s character,” he said in an interview with Cochrane Now yesterday.
Leask says his platform focuses on community safety, supporting local policing and emergency services, and ensuring fiscal responsibility.
“We have to be responsible to the taxpayer, keep track of every dollar that is spent,” he said. “Everybody's purse strings are held so tightly now. The government needs to be held responsible, and we need to know where our dollars are going.”
Leask, who moved from Calgary a few years ago, says they chose Cochrane so their children could safely walk to school. He says he’s concerned that the “big city” pace of growth is beginning to follow the community.
He plans to run a grassroots campaign, focusing on engaging with residents, and plans to attend the upcoming Cochrane Lions Labour Day Weekend Rodeo.
He welcomes feedback and the opportunity to meet with residents to discuss issues. He can be reached through his website.
Four other candidates have officially registered for the race so far: Dan Cunin, Marni Fedeyko, Paul Singh and Patrick Wilson. Many more are expected for the six seats up for grabs as the Sept. 22 noon deadline draws closer.
Mayor Jeff Genung is seeking re-election for a third term and is being challenged by Dean Hopkins and Morgan Nagel.