A total of 18 candidates now reside on the ballot in the race for City Council in Swift Current.

Among them is the General Manager of Community Futures Southwest.

John Parker says he feels his 27 years of economic development experience could be advantageous to City Council.

"I've been involved in working on programs with the city and the downtown revitalization.

In the 12 years I've been in Swift Current, I've watched the city grow in a positive manner to make it a good place to be - and a good place to invest in business," he said.

Parker explains he wants to help grow the positive image of Swift Current.

"We have a positive image that's continuing to grow. We demonstrate that in ways such as hosting international events, and the Safe Places initiative.

Other communities are looking to us and saying these are things and we are a great example.

I really feel I'd like to be a part of that and help it grow in the future," he said.

John and the 17 other candidates will be a part of an early October forum.

The forum will be held at the Sky Centre and will give each candidate a chance to expand on their platform.