Former police chief enters Lethbridge city council race
Former Police Chief John Middleton-Hope has become the 15th candidate to run for a seat on Lethbridge city council.
It was 19 years ago Thursday that Middleton-Hope was sworn in as Lethbridge police chief and 15 years ago on August 19 that he retired from policing.
“It’s perhaps a little bit serendipitous that I announce my intention to run for Lethbridge City Council today,” said Middleton-Hope.
As a former police chief and 19 year resident of Lethbridge, Middleton-Hope said he is very concerned about the direction the city is headed.
He said his campaign will focus on three priority areas: public safety, leadership and continuous economic development.
“Public safety clearly is a focus,” added Middleton-Hope, who launched his campaign at the Galt Museum among a group of people that included family, friends, and several former police officers and city officials.
Middleton-Hope said he expected other candidates to make community safety an issue as well.
Campaign signs for Middleton-Hope in Lethbridge, August 19, 2021
“Because it is," he said. "It’s a challenge in our community.”
In addition to his policing experience, Middleton-Hope has worked as a university instructor and consultant for the past 15 years, doing international work for the United Nations in Eastern Europe and former communist countries.
He said at the end of the day, he wants people to recognize that he is someone who can bring leadership skills and experience to city council, and work with other council members to try and solve problems the city is facing.
“My experience as a police chief is an asset, not a disadvantage,” he added.
Other candidates for the eight city council positions are Kelti Baird, Marissa Black, Ben Christensen, Bill Ginther, Dale Leier, Darcy Logan, Bernard Mbonihankuye, Nick Paladino, Jenn Prosser, Jenn Schmidt-Rempel, Suketu Shah, Bradley Whalen, Davey Wiggers, and Ryan Wolfe.
Six people are running for mayor.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING 122 active wildfires burning across Canada, 32 considered 'out of control'
The 2024 wildfire season has begun, and it's shaping up to follow last year's unprecedented destruction in kind, with thousands of square kilometres already consumed.
B.C. parents sentenced to 15 years for death of 6-year-old boy
A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has sentenced the mother and stepfather of a six-year-old boy who died from blunt-force trauma in 2018 to 15 years in prison.
Veteran TSN sportscaster Darren Dutchyshen has died
Veteran TSN broadcaster Darren 'Dutch' Dutchyshen, one of Canada’s best-known sports journalists, has died. He was 57. His family says 'he passed as he was surrounded by his closest loved ones.'
'More aggressive': Tocchet shifts lineups as Canucks get ready to take on Oilers in Vancouver
As the Canucks prepare to take on the Oilers for Game 5, Vancouver head coach Rick Tocchet is making changes to the team's lineup.
Think twice before sharing 'heartbreaking' social media posts, RCMP warn
Mounties in B.C. are urging people to think twice before sharing "heartbreaking posts" on social media.
Police issue Canada-wide warrant for Regina homicide suspect
Police have issued a Canada-wide warrant for a man wanted in a homicide which occurred in Regina on May 12.
Trudeau calls New Brunswick's Conservative government a 'disgrace' on women's rights
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau assailed New Brunswick's premier and other conservative leaders on Thursday, calling out the provincial government's position on abortion, LGBTQ youth and climate change.
Kevin Spacey receives star support as he fights to get his career back
Kevin Spacey is pushing back on the 'rush to judgment' against him and is being backed by some big names as he seeks to reclaim his acting career.
Speaker cuts ties with Sask. Party, alleges he faced threats, harassment from gov't MLAs
The Speaker of the Saskatchewan Legislature Randy Weekes has severed ties with the Sask. Party after accusing some members of harassment and intimidation tactics, including a situation he claimed saw the Government House Leader bring a hunting rifle to the legislative building.