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Blaine Hyggen, alongside his family members, announces his candidacy for mayor of Lethbridge. (Lethbridge News Now)

Blaine Hyggen running for mayor of Lethbridge this fall

Jun 10, 2021 | 12:30 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A member of Lethbridge City Council is looking to take the mayor’s seat.

Blaine Hyggen has announced his candidacy for this fall’s municipal elections.

He is wrapping up his second term on council and has been considering a run for mayor since last year.

“I truly believe my track record speaks for itself. I’ve been a fighter for the people of Lethbridge both fiscally and socially, the kind of guy not afraid to use common sense as a benchmark in decisions. Over the next few months, you’ll see and hear a concise and accurate game plan for the future.”

Hyggen has told his campaign team that he wants to run an entirely positive campaign, and if he sees any of his team members trying to take it in a more negative direction, they will be asked to leave.

If elected, he wants to be fiscally responsible, increase the availability of affordable housing, ensure sustainable development, improve the efficiency of city operations, and come up with a plan to build a third bridge to the west side.

Safety, however, is at the top of his mind.

“Probably the number one thing I hear about on a regular basis is the safety in our community. As we all know, we were rated pretty high in the crime index for safety concerns, and it’s something that’s definitely number one and is probably leaps and bounds above a lot of other things.”

READ MORE: Lethbridge has Canada’s highest Crime Severity Index

Hyggen believes that, instead of cutting money from the police budget, we should be adding to it.

READ MORE: LPS budget cut will mean fewer officers on the streets: Chief

In a lot of other areas, he would lean more on the fiscally conservative side and would consider “people over projects.”

Lethbridge is guaranteed a new mayor this fall as Chris Spearman will not be seeking re-election.

READ MORE: Spearman not running for re-election

Four other candidates have already announced their bid for the mayoral seat.

READ MORE: Sheldon Day Chief running for Lethbridge mayor

READ MORE: Blaine Hyggen running for mayor of Lethbridge this fall

READ MORE: Bradley Whalen running for mayor of Lethbridge

READ MORE: Stephen Mogdan announces candidacy for mayor of Lethbridge

READ MORE: Gary Klassen running for Mayor of Lethbridge

A list of candidates who have filed nomination papers, including those running for mayor, council, and school board in Lethbridge, can be accessed here.

General voting day is October 18, 2021.