Ald. John Mar says his constituents back his seeking of Tory nomination

A Calgary alderman causing waves by running for a federal Tory nomination while earning a civic salary says he has the blessing of his inner-city constituents.

Al d. johnmar has announced his intention to seek the federal Conservative seat in Calgary Centre, left by the retirement of Lee Richardson, who is leaving to serve Premier Alison Redford as principal secretary.

The nomination date has yet to be announced.

But while Mar will continue to collect his aldermanic salary as he campaigns, he says he’s not worried inner-city residents will feel abandoned.

“Before I actually considered this, I spoke to different community association leaders and different community people to get their thoughts as to whether or not they would feel that way. The response I got was overwhelmingly positive they would like to see me continue to represent them at whatever level of government I may be elected to,” Mar said Thursday.

Mar has said once the nomination day is declared, he will take an unpaid leave of absence from his job as alderman to campaign if he wins the Tory nomination.

Until then, Mar says he will continue to fulfil his civic duties.

Two other candidates say they’ll vie for the Tory nomination in Calgary Centre.

Communications consultant Joan Crockatt announced Monday she would run, while lawyer Andy Crooks, a former Canadian Taxpayers Federation chair has also announced his candidacy.