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Former CRP director running for County council

Former Calgary Regional Partnership (CRP) Executive Director Rick Butler has announced his intention to run for Rocky View County Division 1 councillor in this fall’s municipal election.
Former Calgary Regional Partnership Executive Director Rick Butler recently announced his intentions to run for election in Rocky View County’s Division 1.
Former Calgary Regional Partnership Executive Director Rick Butler recently announced his intentions to run for election in Rocky View County’s Division 1.

Former Calgary Regional Partnership (CRP) Executive Director Rick Butler has announced his intention to run for Rocky View County Division 1 councillor in this fall’s municipal election.

After 30 years of holding executive leadership roles in municipalities across Alberta, B.C. and the Canadian North, Butler says he is ready to tackle issues from a governing perspective.

“The timing is right for me and what I bring to the role, it just felt right,” said Butler.

“It is a really special moment in history that I would like to be part of. I think there are some really critical decisions to be made in the region and with the Province.”

One of the key issues for Butler, who has lived in Division 1 for 13 years with his wife, is regional planning and cooperation.

According to Butler, the Province is putting an emphasis on regional planning, and because of its withdrawal from the CRP, Rocky View County is missing out.

“I really believe the right situation will present itself, and the County will be back as a force,” said Butler.

“I believe they will need someone like me to build the bridges, to strongly represent the county and the division at the regional table.”

Butler, a father of two, is in favour of comprehensive planning to protect the county’s natural resources.

“It is all about planning for the future,” said Butler.

“It is all about the next 70 years of creating a sustainable region, economically, in terms of tax payer’s savings; environmentally, to reduce the sprawl by 60 per cent and to protect those important places.”

Butler says the way to come to a collaborative vision is by communication with residents, business owners, developers and community groups.

“I would work tirelessly to make sure that the community knows (what is going on), before decisions are made,” said Butler.

“I am not going to push something that the constituents don’t want. I am really looking forward to what the residents have to say.”

Butler would like to see the regions of the county work more cooperatively, with all the divisions coming together for the collective good.

“I think the county can work well if we work together with all the other divisions, as well as our regional neighbours,” said Butler.

“You listen and you create the vision and you collaborate and come together.”

Butler also strongly favours having an elected reeve to help bring residents together.

“If there was ever a time that the County of Rocky View needed an experienced leader and advocate for sustainability, I think it is now,” said Butler.

“There is a need for communications, collaboration and partnership-building, which I have done throughout my career. In a time like this, I am looking forward to the campaign.”


Airdrie Today Staff

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