There are two candidates running for mayor of Red Deer County this election, with 13 year council veteran and current Mayor Jim Wood going up against a familiar rival in Debra Hanna, who ran against Wood for mayor two elections ago.

This will actually be Hanna's third time running for mayor, who says despite not being on council before, she has plenty of experience with how council operates.

“My father was on council from 1986 to 1989. I lived at home at the time and we talked about Council all the time. I know about the policies, the bylaws, and procedures. And in 2007 prior to running (for mayor), I scanned most of the area structure plans, the Municipal Development Act, bylaws. I’ve got a fairly good background on information.”

Hanna says if elected, she wants to help attract more business to the area, as well as streamline some of the processes so residents can apply for things like permits easier.

 “I’d like to see some of the procedures streamlined. In my campaign, I’ve talked to people that it’s taken 3-4 years for them to get developments put through. That’s not acceptable, there needs to be more streamlined procedures on how our residents are dealing with County things they have to deal with.”

She says the County does a good job at keeping tax rates from spiking, something Mayor Wood says he is very proud of accomplishing.

“Last year we had no tax increase. The year before we had no tax increase. Actually, the year before that we had none. We’re in fact working very very hard to work within our means. We are seeing continued growth in Red Deer County, our roads are being built as we can afford to…we are very proud of what’s happening at Gasoline Alley, whose funds benefit the entire county.”

Wood says he hopes to have the chance to continue his efforts to bring more businesses to the County.

“I think that economic development is one of the most important things we can do at Red Deer County, and each and every item that comes forward that enhances and creates jobs, is something that I’m very proud that we are working towards.”