Mackenzie, B.C. – Child and youth care worker Daniel Hansen may be a political newcomer but that hasn’t deterred him from seeking the mayor’s chair in Mackenzie.

Mackenzie mayoral candidate Daniel Hansen

The 31 year old from Saint John New Brunswick moved to town back in 2011 and says his job has actually prepared him quite well for the position.

“I think I have what it takes. My personal interests, philosophy, way of working with people, my problem solving abilities is what I’ll be highlighting as being mayor.”

Hansen says his main goal if elected is to bring in more public dialogue on district issues.

“One thing I’ve seen from council meetings is that it’s sped through. It goes quickly and I think there’s a general disconnect between council and the people council represents.”

For example he says the current council’s attempts at dialogue, Mackenzie in Motion, is “a good idea” but that “it’s not reaching as many people as it could be.”

And as for why he didn’t seek a council seat first he says “I think big.”

He says that includes “taking a closer look at our big industries and working more closely in negotiations to make sure the long term projections of these big companies as well as our long term planning for Mackenzie are on the same page.”

And though not the perceived front runner in this race he still likes his chances.

“I’m a natural counsellor so I feel my ability to listen to people and to come up with conclusions that are mutually satisfying is second nature to me and I think that’s my most important contribution.”