The mayoral race is heating up in Airdrie, and now a fifth candidate has announced his intention to run.

Bernie Biever said he was prompted to run because he always hears people talking about what they don't like about Airdrie, but those people don't usually get involved to make change. Biever sees running for mayor as a way to give back to the community.

"You know, I've listened for all these years. I'm retired now and I've got the time, so I thought, let's get after it, let's go after these issues and what we aren't happy about. I mean, there's a lot of very good things about Airdrie, super lots of good things, but let's attend to the things that people aren't happy about."

The retired businessman has never held an elected office before, but he thinks his time in managerial positions in the business sector gives him skills he can draw on if elected.

"I had over 150 employees. Yes, very organized. Used to working within a structure, you know, as management, working with everybody as a team, and I look forward to that with Airdrie. I think if we could work as a team, it's endless what we could accomplish."

Biever outlined three main campaign priorities: Expand business growth, keep tax payer household costs low, and establish an RV park in Airdrie.

In regards to tax payer house hold costs, Biever wants the City to take over natural gas and electric utilities and not renew the existing 10 year franchise fee agreement with ATCO or the existing franchise agreement with Fortis. 

Biever's campaign website also lists the need for a women's shelter, infrastructure needs and development needs as key issues in this election.

Nomination day for the election is coming up on Monday (September 18).

 

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