Former British soldier intends to run for city council
Myles Mulholland has announced his intention to run for city council this fall.
At the age of 33, married with two young children and employed in the oil and gas industry, Mulholland wants to give a voice to his demographic at the municipal level, including those dealing with job uncertainty, he says.
A fascination with politics and a strong desire to help are key factors in his decision in run. He is facing many of the issues other young families are grappling with, including the impact of property tax increases, he said, calling an opportunity to service politically a “privilege and a calling.”
The municipal election will take place on Oct. 16.
Mulholland came to the area as a British soldier with BATUS, fell in love and married a Canadian woman. After becoming a Canadian citizen, he immediately joined the Conservative Party and began helping in the 2015 federal election campaign.
At the municipal level now, he would like to work toward attracting new business to Medicine Hat, by reducing red tape and providing tax incentives, with the goal of diversifying the economy.
He believes there may be opportunities to encourage the manufacturing sector locally that would also help to provide jobs for former oil and gas workers.
Mulholland says he speaks from personal experience, having worked for two of the top job sectors in the area — Suffield and the oil and gas industry. He gives kudos to the new breweries that have recently opened in the city. Mulholland also wants to see more promotion of Medicine Hat College to attract people to the area.
Mulholland believes council could help to alleviate the burden of the provincial carbon tax on local families. He would like to see non-essential spending restricted and some investment in youth.
A ward system for council elections, Mulholland believes, should be introduced to see better competition and accountability municipally.
Mulholland believes the contentious issue of photo radar should be addressed, with perhaps introducing a different focus. He would also like to see the speed limit downtown reduced to 30 km/h.
Mulholland is board secretary for the Medicine Hat-Cardston-Warner Conservative association, is a Royal Canadian Legion member and a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan.