John Middleton-Hope running for re-election on Lethbridge City Council

I successfully ran in 2021 on a campaign of improving public safety in our city. We have made enormous progress over the last [four] years. While on council, I ensured funds removed from the police budget by the previous council were returned and advocated for a significant increase of $16m over four years to improve recruitment and retention. I, along with Mayor Hyggen, created a cross-functional team comprised of key stakeholders to identify problems and develop solutions. The current encampment strategy is one of the outcomes of this initiative. Our police service has hired to authorized strength for the first time in more than a decade and our crime severity index has been reduced significantly. There is more work to be done and I retain this as a top priority for this campaign.

What personal or professional experience do you have that you feel would make you a good city councillor?

Prior to being elected to council, I spent 35 years in policing, many as a leader and executive. I understand not only public safety, but the complexities of running a large organization and the budget necessary to ensure sustainable capacity. I taught university concurrently for 31 years and operated a successful consulting business that worked with business executives, communities and governments to enhance leadership skills. I spent 5 years in Eastern Europe as a contract employee of the UN, bringing police reform to several countries. And I have run several small businesses with my children first, and now, my grandchildren. I have the skills and experience at several different levels that have proven effective as a member of city council.

What would be a few of your top priorities if elected?

The campaign is built around three pillars:

Community Safety: Investing in public safety, crisis response, and partnerships to address crime and social challenges. John is a strong advocate and supporter of the IAFF and the Lethbridge Fire and EMS, and will continue to ensure both agencies have the tools, skills and personnel to protect our citizens.
Measured Growth and Development (we call Smart Growth): John is committed to pursuing business opportunities, housing, advancing infrastructure projects and partnerships with local industry and levels of government to ensure Lethbridge takes its place as a leader in innovation and entrepreneurship in Alberta.
Accountability & Access: Promoting transparency, fiscal responsibility, and citizen engagement, John will continue to ensure the City of Lethbridge and partner agencies are held to the highest standards of business professionalism.

Where can people learn more about you and your platform?

They may go to my website at: www.Johnmiddletonhope.com. On our website, are more in depth explanation of my platform, and it provides citizens an opportunity to review my voting record on important issues, should they choose to see how I voted. They may also text or call me at 403-308-9377. I look forward to connecting with many more of you before and after the election.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Some folks have asked, “What does building a sustainable future mean?” Simply, making the right choices today to build a better city for tomorrow. This takes not only council but a community committed to working together. My experience and expertise are important skills I have developed over a lifetime of public service. They are what enable me to get the job done even under the most trying of circumstances and my love of this city, province, country and my family, are the backbone of my determination to make this the best city we can possibly create, together, that keeps me going.

More coverage of the 2025 Municipal Election is available here.

by David Opinko

John Middleton-Hope running for re-election on Lethbridge City Council

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