By Dana Reynolds

Donny Parenteau throws hat in the ring for fall election

Feb 26, 2016 | 8:59 AM

Singer-songwriter, Donny Parenteau said he is passionate about Prince Albert and wants to run for city councillor for no other reason than making P.A. a better place.

Parenteau announced this morning, Feb. 26, he would be vying for a council seat in Ward 7. This seat has been vacant since Mark Tweidt left council for personal reasons, Jan. 4.

“I want (to run) for our daughter who’s seven-years-old right now. I want her to grow up in a city I grew up in. I think allowing myself to run for council and get on, I can bring those fresh changes that are needed for the city, and ideas” Parenteau said adding perhaps jokingly “fresh” was a key word in his campaign.

If elected, Parenteau said he hopes to promote volunteerism in the city, wants to improve the recycling program and hopes to bring back the census.

“That’s the one big thing that I really want to bring forward to the attention of Prince Albert. Focus on that census form everybody, because if you do not fill out that census form properly and say the amount of people that are actually living with you, we’re losing federal dollars that could be coming to Prince Albert,” he said.

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To accomplish this, Parenteau said he’d bring more public awareness to the matter and put the issue back in front of council.

Parenteau expected a steep learning curve in the beginning, but said he takes a common-sense approach to most things in his life and will ask for help or clarification if he doesn’t understand something.

He also realized being on council, plus running a music school and being a husband and father will be a balancing act. But he is not afraid of the challenge.

“You know, the thing is I’ve been juggling my music career since I was 19-years-old…it’s just a matter of juggling my family now and my wife is 100 per cent behind what I’m doing,” Parenteau said.

As a near life-long resident, Parenteau seems excited about what he could accomplish as a councillor. He describes himself as a team player and felt he can bridge the gap between people in the city.

“If you’re on city council and everyone’s there for the exact same reason, and we’re there to make the city of Prince Albert better…I’m not saying they don’t get along now but this is what I bring to the table; I can get along with anybody.”

dreynolds@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @danitska