UCP members gathered at a local restaurant last night (May 10th) to show support and hear the platform of Peter Guthrie as he seeks a UCP  nomination for the newly formed Airdrie-Cochrane riding. 

Peter Guthrie had an extensive platform laid out covering a variety of hot-button issues including balancing budgets, healthcare, provincial economics and local economies. It was very clear by the end of his platform that one of his top priorities is creating jobs and getting small business back on their feet. 

"We really want to get people back to work again and help small businesses back on track, 90% of businesses out there is a small business and they are hurting. I went to and visited 390 businesses in Cochrane and went up to 8th street and visited 90 small businesses there and heard a variety of comments and issues and the overall consensus is they're hurting".

Part of his hopes to tackle this problem is to lower business taxes which couldn't come at a better time. According to Airdrie's 2018 Business Satisfaction Survey, 26% of businesses surveyed believe that taxes was one of the top issues facing local communities. You can read more on the survey results here. 

During a one on one interview with AIR 106.1, Guthrie was asked about the current issue of rural crime facing Airdrie-Cochrane and Rocky View County. Guthrie says that the issue is a lot larger than that.

"I don't like to say rural crime because it's taking place right in Airdrie and Cochrane, so to say rural is a little bit off base." 

Guthrie noted that the rise in crime has a direct correlation to the economy and he hopes that when the economy rises it will help reduce the crime rates, but just a rise in economic times will not be enough, Guthrie also believes we need more RCMP and boots on the ground and stronger justice system to keep criminals in jail and off the streets.  

"I think you can link this to the economy when the economy is in downfall, crime rises. We need to have a justice system that is going to be prepared to put these guys in jail. I went to the rural crime town hall meeting in Airdrie and heard about a person they arrested in red deer that had 66 charges against him, that is outrageous. The Police are out there risking their lives and the justice system and turn around and have these guys back on the streets before morning so they can turn around and steal from us again." 

A town hall meeting was held in March with members of the RCMP, Rural Crime Watch and Crimestoppers to tackle the issue of rural crime. You can read more on that here 

"I know that RCMP are frustrated with the justice system that is too soft on crime." 

Questions?Comments?Story ideas? Email us at news@discoverairdrie.com