Mayoral candidates answer questions
By Lethbridge Herald on October 9, 2025.
Joe Manio
Lethbridge Herald
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
More than 120 residents turned out to listen to, and question, the four mayoral candidates in the upcoming municipal election during the first candidates forum at the Lethbridge Public Library Tuesday evening.
Incumbent Mayor Blaine Hyggen presented his case for re-election to the audience while challengers Quentin Carlson, Ryan Mennie and Michael Petrakis gave their own reasons why they should take over the mayor’s chair.
Political newcomers Carlson and Petrakis (who ran for Lethbridge City Council in 2021) spoke of the need for new ideas and different approaches. Hyggen cited his experience at the job and his established working relationships while Mennie emphasized his previous experience as a city councilor in Campbell River, B.C.Â
Issues on the minds of Lethbridge voters included election rules, voting process and transparency; affordable housing and supply; housing planning, and land use; budget, capital projects, infrastructure and funding pressures; public safety and policing; transit; government transparency and accountability; and last but definitely not least…property taxes and tax burdens.Â
Property taxes were on the minds of both the candidates and othe voters in attendance. The candidates mentioned it in their opening remarks, and the subject was in questions from both media and the audience members during the question and answers segment of the forum.Â
The common denominator about property taxes was the “unsustainable levels” they’re reaching (or have reached) and the effects on residents.
Other issues brought up during the two-hour forum included transit infrastructure, public safety, a proposed third bridge across the Oldman River, a new performing arts centre, communication between local government and Lethbridge residents.
Some questions were easier to answer than others, like introducing partisan politics at the municipal level, and Alberta separation, to which both Hyggen and Carlson quickly answered with a resounding no.
Other more pointed questions directed at political veterans Hyggen and Mennie from audience members about their political track-records proved more challenging.
Upcoming forums and meet and greets, where voters can question or speak one-on-one with the candidates, include a Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce forum for mayoral and council candidates on Tuesday, Oct. 14 at the Yates Memorial Theatre from 5-8 p.m. Free registration is required, which you can do by visiting: lethbridgechamber.com/events/
There is a meet and greet with candidates at the Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO) on Wednesday, Oct. 15 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and a mix and mingle with candidates at the Allied Arts Council on the same day from 7-9 p.m. at the Southern Alberta Ethnic Association.
For undecided voters unable to attend any of the forums or meet and greet events, each candidate has a video about their platforms on the City of Lethbridge Elections page at Lethbridge.ca/election.
14-13
It was great to meet the majority, 15 out of 18, council candidates and i believe 5 school board trustees during our weekly Men’s Shed and Coaldale meetings. As a new society which started last summer, it was great to put faces with the candidates and hear their platform. As well, they got to know us. Being a new society and holding this event over the past month helps spread the word quickly and grow. Thank you candidates once again and good luck in the election.