There may be fewer incumbents running than there are seats on council, but Roy Spooner says that's not why he's seeking to be elected.
"After 50 years here, I think I have both the knowledge about the city and a passion for the city that lets me believe I can do a better job than some of the incumbents," Spooner said. "I'm running because I think there needs to be some new people on council."
With his background in marketing, community service, communications and economic development, Spooner contended he has what it takes to turn things around and help the city start living up to its potential.
On that note, Spooner said he has yet to come across a formal plan for economic development for Prince George. While economic development is Initiative Prince George's mandate, IPG is city hall's creation, Spooner said.
Making the most of Prince George's attributes as a transportation and logistics centre is high on Spooner's agenda, as are continuing to promote the city's vibrant retail and professional sectors.
Spooner would like to see a performing arts centre and another hockey arena built in the city but only if there are enough tax dollars to support them.
"That's why I look at are we realizing our potential, are we doing economic development properly, are we building on the assets that we already have?
He said it's also time to get out of the way and let city staff and administration do its job when it comes to dealing with paving, snow removal and renewing the city's infrastructure.
"Why are councillors running around getting involved in assessing whether or not a street was plowed properly? Knowing it and hearing it from your constituents is a good thing to do but it's not council's job to manage the process," Spooner said.
And Spooner said the city has done a "less than stellar job" at communicating Prince George's successes.
"We've got some really talented people over at city hall, we have some extremely capable administration staff and I think that poor communication leads to confusion and frustration and miscommunication and we need to fix that."
