CALGARY – There was some buzz when he formally announced his resignation and former police chief Rick Hanson wasted no time announcing his next endeavor.
He will hang up his uniform and reach for a suit hoping for a turn in politics.
Hanson will represent the PC’s in the riding of Calgary-Cross.
Less than 24 hours after Hanson handed in his police badge, Premier Jim Prentice officially announced he had appointed Hanson as PC candidate in Calgary-Cross Saturday.
“My running as a candidate in Calgary-Cross continues my journey of commitment and transparency,” Rick Hanson said.
Same goals – different chase.
“So we have to factor out running fast and jumping over fences after bad guys,” Hanson joked.
Hanson says he wants to continue to build a safer community and his background as a police officer will help.
“What I’ve learned is that there’s complex social issues at play and what really matters in addressing issues within communities is to have that recognition that complex social issues are not resolved with easy solutions,” Hanson said.
The burning question for Hanson from many Calgarians who know him, is why politics?
Mount Royal Professor and political analyst David Taras is one of them wondering why he made the decision. Taras says the question period can be brutal and the knives are out in politics.
“I think a lot of people are scratching their heads saying, Rick, the world could be yours – many worlds could be yours, why politics?”
Hanson says there were a few reasons that lead to his decision and one of them was the need for a change.
“For forty years, I was a police officer, a cop and I was very proud of it. But there’s a shelf life to everything,” Hanson said. “I can’t see myself in a rocking chair staring at the sunset, I wanna contribute more I’ve got a few good years left.”
Premier Prentice appointed Hanson as a candidate to Calgary-Cross, bypassing the nomination process. Seven PC hopefuls who were seeking nominations in the riding, stepped aside.
“We’re proud to have him as a candidate and we should get on with it and get on with moving forward towards what might eventually be an election,” Jim Prentice said.
Some say Prentice getting Hanson on his team earns points with voters in a possible spring election.
“Jim Prentice is no longer in the honeymoon phase. Some question his popularity, which is eroding. He now has power without popularity..and here comes Rick Hanson right – respected, popular, generated, all kinds of connections and respect. And a glow, a political glow. So from Prentice’s point of view, it’s a great decision,” Taras said.
“All of his talents will be put to good use,” Prentice said.
“He’s not just a political star, he’s a solar system,” Taras said.
When opposite worlds collide ahead of the polls, one of Hanson’s plans is to continuing the relationships he started 40 years ago in Calgary-Cross.
“To sit down with people so knowledgeable, that they know the answers and what they need is help facilitating the solutions,” Hanson said.
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