The first incumbent councillor has officially entered the race for city council. Wes Brodhead announced this week that he would be seeking a third term on council. The 60-year-old was elected in 2010 and again in 2013. During his first term as councillor Brodhead worked a full time job with the City of Edmonton as director of bus operations. In 2013 the grandfather of four retired from his job and committed himself to St. Albert city council. Brodhead, who has lived in St. Albert for 37 years, said that he is passionate about municipal governance because of the direct impact the government has on the community members “To me the municipal governance decision is the one that most closely affects the lives of our community members,” Brodhead said. “It is the decisions that are made at a municipal level that truly define what the life experience of the residents is going to be about.” Brodhead brings a passion for public transit from his former job with the City of Edmonton. He said he wants to ensure that people in the region who do not have their own reliable form of transportation are still able to attend appointments and engage with the community through public transportation. “I have a real heart for providing services to those who don't have transportation links themselves to services that they require,” Brodhead said. The father of two also has a focus on economic development, regional collaboration and affordable housing. He wants to see a variety of housing types being built within the city. “I believe that embracing new build forms will provide the variety of housing that allow our young people to remain in the community affordably and give options to those who are transitioning to a different time in life who are downsizing,” Brodhead said. Brodhead is the first incumbent to enter the race for city council. Current councillors Cathy Heron and Cam MacKay have launched campaigns to run for mayor. Brodhead will be running against Natalie Joly, Craig Cameron, Jacy Eberlein, Hannes Rudolph, Al Bohachyk, Jaye Walter and Sandyne Beach-McCutcheon Nomination day is Sept. 18 and the election will be held on Oct. 16.
