Ald. Bob Hawkesworth is pushing a rapid transit route to the airport as a higher priority than a tunnel under the new runway. (CBC)

Ald. Bob Hawkesworth, who is running for Calgary mayor, is pushing for a rapid transit route to the airport as a higher priority for the city's next council than a tunnel under the new runway.

Hawkesworth promised that if he's elected mayor he will create a bus rapid transit (BRT) line connecting the Calgary International Airport with the downtown core.

"Access to the airport is important, but I'm not prepared, as Ald. Ric McIver is, to promise to spend $500 million that the city does not have on a tunnel under the new runway — that's the wrong priority," said Hawkesworth on Thursday.

The Ward 4 alderman said once construction is finished on 96th Avenue. N.E., west from Deerfoot Trail — linking Airport Trail to Centre Street — a new BRT line can be added immediately.

The route could trim travel time between the city centre and the airport to 30 minutes, he said.

Higgins touts platform 'framework'

Meanwhile, Barb Higgins unveiled a seven-point framework for her election platform on Thursday, calling financial responsibility her top priority.

"$60-million budget shortfalls are unacceptable," said Higgins who resigned last month after 21 years as anchor for Calgary's CTV News at 6, to run for Calgary mayor.

"The next council needs to re-assess the budget development process," she said on her website.

Higgins said her vision for Calgary includes six other priorities, including public safety, transportation and infrastructure and improving efficiency at City Hall.

"It has become too difficult for people to navigate the system and to have their voice heard," she said.

McIver's vision

On Wednesday, Ald. Ric McIver outlined his vision for Calgary, promising to position the city as the country's economic leader while keeping it affordable.

He said that under his leadership the city will focus on four key areas: infrastructure, safe communities, customer service at city hall and cost competitiveness.

"Establishing a truly independent city auditor will ensure Calgarians get value and accountability for their hard earned tax dollars," he said on his website.

Nenshi critical

But business professor and mayoral candidate Naheed Nenshi responded to McIver's vision, saying it belies his record in nine years as an alderman.

"How come he hasn't accomplished any of it? Indeed, voters need to know that he has often voted against the very things he now claims to stand for," said a posting on Nenshi's website.

The Mount Royal University instructor criticized McIver's stance in favour of proceeding with a southwest ring road without offering a specific plan for it.

"Does this mean that he is in favour of barreling through the Weaselhead and knocking down a big chunk of Lakeview? He's not saying."