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WATCH ABOVE: Edmonton city councillor Mike Nickel wants to become a candidate for the Alberta United Conservative Party. Vinesh Pratap found out why he made the decision – Jun 6, 2018
Edmonton city councillor Mike Nickel is hoping to make a jump into provincial politics.
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Nickel is seeking the United Conservative Party nomination in Edmonton-South. Nickel made the announcement on Wednesday morning.
“I want to go some place where I can keep pushing that agenda, where we are going to measure what we are going to do. I want results,” he said.
Some of the results at the municipal level have been disappointing for him.
“It started with the wading pool, that one broke my heart. Then I moved over to the Metro Line discussions with safety and closing that file. Finally, it was the demolition of the Coliseum.
“I just said I am not fitting this downtown narrative.”
Edmonton city councillor Mike Nickel announced Wednesday morning he is seeking the United Conservative Party nomination in Edmonton-South. June 6, 2018.
Morris Gamblin, Global News
Nickel first won a seat on Edmonton City Council in 2004. After a brief hiatus, he was once again elected to council in 2013, where he currently represents Ward 11 in southeast Edmonton.
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Since then, Nickel has been a conservative voice on council, with a focus on getting value for residents’ tax dollars.
“He does speak up when he thinks it’s necessary and I think he is wise with his dollars,” Carol Bacon said.
“I hope he does well with UCP nomination but I am sorry to see him leave council.”
Nickel holds a Bachelor Degree in political science as well as a Master’s Degree in statistics and media studies from the University of Alberta.
The riding of Edmonton-South will be a new riding for the 2019 election. It encompasses the city’s deep south, stretching from 156 Street to 91 Street south of Anthony Henday Drive.
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“I want to go to a place where I can do the most good,” Nickel said. “I think downtown I have pushed as hard as I can and now I think it is time to move on.”