By Geoff Smith (@GeoffSmithLNN on Twitter)

Coffman calls on voters to raise their expectations of local government

Sep 21, 2017 | 8:43 AM

LETHBRIDGE – “Good governance” is the phrase Jeffrey Coffman wants voters to keep in mind, as he seeks a fourth term on Lethbridge City Council.

“As the city approaches a population of 100,000 residents, issues become more complex and the demands become more significant,” Coffman said in an interview. “So in the face of the rapid growth we’re experiencing and the increased debt load, we need councillors who really understand their legislative roles and responsibilities to make effective multi-million-dollar decisions.”

Coffman said given finite resources, members of council will have to prioritize wants and needs, with an eye on sustainable growth and the long-term debt.

And with potential changes in senior administration, the right people will be needed to make those decisions. Coffman believes he has lived up to that role.

“One thing that city council never ever asks, and I want the next council to ask, is what is the purpose of local government in Lethbridge? What is it that we’re supposed to be providing to our residents?” he said.

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While services like police and firefighting are essential, how they’re offered is something a council must consider. He also cites the transit master plan that will be before council during the next term.

“How that’s going to be implemented is something that’s incredibly significant because there’s a very large dollar figure attached to that. But how do we want the community to grow in relationship to transit, things of that nature?”

Coffman has political science degrees from the universities of Alberta and Lethbridge, and is a sessional instructor. He also has worked in the retail and photography fields.