Councillor Lars Hansen announces mayoral bid

LEDUC -- City Councillor Lars Hansen has announced he'll be running for mayor of the City of Leduc.

Hansen will be running for the position in this October's municipal election after serving as a Councillor for the past eight years. The two-term Councillor has also served on various boards and committees and is the Chair of the Capital Region Southwest Water Services Commission. Reflecting on his time in politics, he said he feels he has the experience to lead the City forward.

"It's given me a strong ability to drive projects forward, I've offered effective leadership on issues, it's allowed me to build collaborative relationships with neighbouring municipalities," said Hansen. "I have some practical experience and knowledge about leading an organization."

Hansen grew up and was educated in Leduc schools, and states that Leduc has always been his home and has shaped the person that he is today. However, he acknowledges that the City is not without its challenges, and spoke about how he would work to accommodate the municipality's rapid growth if elected as mayor this fall.

"I really think the City needs to be judicious in its capital investments," said Hansen. "We need to continue the development of the West Campus and the Crystal Creek neighbourhood, and to provide recreational amenities for residents."

One of the issues that's also expected to be front-and-centre this October will be local crime. Hansen acknowledges the recent concerns from residents and says there needs to be a well-rounded, collaborative approach to tackling the problem.

He says working with all levels of government would be necessary, and also suggested working collaboratively with other Metro Edmonton municipalities. He laid out some of his other ideas in conversation with The One. 

"Working to re-establish the black gold citizens on patrol -- the nighthawks -- empowering citizens to work with our law enforcement to be the eyes-and-ears on the ground, I think could help," said Hansen. "Continuing to invest in community policing is a big one as well." 

Hansen will be running to replace current Leduc Mayor Bob Young.