A longtime Okotoks resident has decided it’s time to run for council.
Gord Lang has thrown his hat in the ring for the upcoming municipal election.
“I want to make change and be part of the change,” said Lang. “I thought it’s something I should do, and it’s something I’ve always been interested in.”
He first moved to town in 1993, and now with his three daughters grown, he said there is more free time to devote to Town matters.
Lang was first bit by the political bug in college.
“I was on student council and I’ve always liked the aspect of dealing with people, talking to people, and seeing if we could problem-solve,” he said.
It’s also a great way to make new connections in the community, he said.
Though he hasn’t been involved with Town committees to-date, Lang said he’s been involved with committees like the Okotoks Pro Rodeo board.
He’s also been doing some homework to make sure he’s on top of current affairs.
“I have talked a lot to part of the current council, because I know most of them, so it was interesting to listen to their stories and find out what’s going on,” he said.
As for Town issues, he’d like to be involved in making it easier for new business to set up shop, and to support those already in place. He’s seen firsthand the effects of the pandemic on local business, working for his in-laws, who own Good Time Party Rentals.
“I want to protect and support those businesses that have been here for years,” said Lang. “They’ve gone through two years of difficult times.”
There will be a lot of learning involved in that process, working through the policies and procedures in place at this time, said Lang.
“I would like to streamline the process of getting new businesses started, making it a little less difficult for new business,” he said.
In addition, he said affordable housing and support for seniors aging in place are issues he could sink his teeth into.
The current council has started the ball rolling with purchasing land for Westwinds Communities, creating programs to encourage secondary suites and focusing on senior initiatives like becoming an age-friendly community, and Lang said he’d like to be involved in seeing those through.
“I think it’s something we have to follow through,” said Lang. “The groundwork is laid, but let’s make sure it expands and keeps going.”
If elected, he said he’ll work to be entirely transparent for the public.
“I think it’s so important for councillors to be accountable and accessible to residents,” he said.
