Patrick Wilson has lived most of his life in Cochrane and his decision to run for town council comes down to three major issues.

Traffic, fiscal constraint and unnecessary bylaws and legislature are what drove him to decide to run for council  a few weeks ago.

Wilson, 34, is frustrated with the traffic in the community and knows well the challenges of getting around town as the manager and co-owner of Taxi4U Cochrane.

 "There are some issues that get me hot under the collar, number one being traffic almost more than anyone you talk to," says Wilson.

He has been involved with traffic summits held and has researched the future plans.

"I know where we're heading and it's a good direction, but it's just 10 years too late and isn't coming fast enough."

He considers himself a fiscal conservative and gets steamed when he sees waste in the budget and believes our debt load is getting a little high.

"When I look at the budget I see a lot of fat that could be trimmed," says Wilson. "I like lower taxes, I don't like taxes growing each year. and don't think it has to be the case but always is."

He believe taxes can be an obstacle to economic prosperity and warns residents to be suspicious of anyone who believes in government solutions to stimulate our economy. He also wants to see public recreation, transit services, and community centres to be self supporting and shouldn't have operating deficits.

He also says he is principally against the town producing unnecessary bylaws that create enforcement nightmares and puts the interest of small interests groups above the public-at-large. He points to what he calls ludicrous and excessive anti-smoking bylaws, food truck legislation and the off-leash dog park fiasco as examples.

He speaks highly of the Cochrane Lions Club and believes they should receive a lease to retain the Lions Rodeo Park and the newly-knight Cochrane Lions Events Centre so they can pursue their long-term plans.

"I think I can do better," says Wilson.