Here’s some political gristle for city hall observers to chew on.
Several sources say Calgary Ald. John Mar barely seven months into his second term on council is considering running for the Progressive Conservatives in the next provincial election which will happen before the next municipal election in 2013.
Mar admits the Conservatives as well as the Wildrose Alliance have approached him to run but denies rumours he has chosen the Tory camp.
"I just got re-elected so at this time I’m actually really happy where I’m at" he says. "Plus the fact we just had a baby I’m not going anywhere. I can’t go anywhere. I’ve got two kids and a newborn baby. Can you see me going to Edmonton anytime soon for a week at a time? Really?"
Well yes actually.
First we’re hearing this from several credible sources.
Second former cabinet minister Gary Mar (John Mar’s cousin) is an early favourite to win the PC leadership race. It wouldn’t be a huge leap to see John Mar a former Mountie landing a plumb position should cousin Gary become premier. (Justice Minister John Mar rolls off the tongue no?)
Third both the Conservatives and the Wildrose are going to be pouring a lot of money and resources into defeating Calgary-Currie MLA Dave Taylor. Mar’s Ward 8 riding covers much of the same territory in the Calgary-Currie riding. Having Ald. Mar onboard gives any party a huge advantage. Plus Mar has name-recognition that is arguably on par with Taylor’s.
And finally don’t trust anyone with political ambitions even if they swear on their mother’s grave. Remember Barb Higgins? Fast Forward Weekly first reported Higgins was leaving her plush TV anchor job to run for mayor last June. Higgins of course vehemently denied the story. Then five weeks later ta-da! Higgins quits her day job and announces she is indeed running for mayor.
So fool us once…
