Wheatland County Candidates – Week 3

 

Alice Booth 

Economic development within the Wheatland County has been growing over the past number of years. To stimulate this growth the County has approved an area structure plan on the south side of Highway #1, extending west from Strathmore to the County boundary. This area structure plan is for heavy Industrial businesses, to locate along this corridor all businesses that wish to relocate to the county can phone the County office to get all the information they need to make an informed decision.  

While farming and ranching have been the backbone of the County, we also have oil and gas companies drilling and laying pipelines within our boundaries. Oil and gas upgraders and plants are up and running in most of the County. We have major power generating plants in Division 1 and 2. Division 1 has the first Pattison Grain Rail Loading system being built in all of North America; and its grain elevator system can load 135 cars in eight hours (very impressive.)  

Also Division 1 has a plastics recycling plant, where plastic product are made into plastic pellets and then shipped out to make other product. Also Division 3 has a fuel storage area being built, this will be a bulk facility for diesel fuel, gas and oil product. This will take 130 tanker trucks off Highway # 1 per month. All products will be shipped by CP Rail. In Division 7 a wind farm has received approval for placing large towers to produce electricity. In fact construction has started on the bases for the wind towers. In 2011 we will see the towers and the turbines being installed. The lists of project I have mentioned are only part of the Economic Development that has been accomplished by Wheatland County. In the last three years we also have had many new rural homes built all over the County; in addition to existing homes many of these homes have home based businesses, and we definitely encourage this.  

The work that needs to be done to bring our County into the forefront is to embrace the information highway. This would allow us to attract new business to our County as it is a necessity in today’s business world.

Councillor; Alice Booth

Division #1

 

 

Guy Christie 

Why should you vote for me, that’s a good question? I’ve always tried to make the right choice when I vote. You listen to the speeches, hear the promises and if there’s some history that you’re impressed with, then you make your decision.

I have no history for you to go by. I’m not a speechmaker and I can’t make any promises but I will listen to the concerns, ideas and present them with confidence with the right information.

I will be honest, forthright and will give you the facts as presented to me. I will work for you as a resident of this County and will work for the betterment of the whole county not just a select few.

I have a solid background in business and marketing and I know first hand that communication is a key ingredient in any organization big or small. I will make communication with you my top priority and to personally meet as many people as I can in Division One.

Please vote on October 18th, your vote does make a difference.

 

 

Suzanne Jackson 

These last few weeks have been the best. I have traveled every gravel road and highway in Division 1. I have been on every doorstep and met the most wonderful people.  I have learned a great deal. While campaigning, my desire to be a County Councillor has strengthened. Having a positive relationship with your ratepayers’ is the first step in building trust.

For me, it is not about the politics but about public service. I enjoy meeting people, I am an excellent listener and I have the time to commit to Council. I believe in serving the interests of the majority and not spearheading any single agenda. I do understand that agriculture is very important in the County of Wheatland and there must be a balance between it and other development. I believe in researching the facts and would make my decisions with common sense and fairness. I would strive to bring a new energy and perspective to Division One. I am proud to live in Wheatland County and want to contribute to this dynamic and diverse county of Alberta.

I will do my very best to represent all of you. Please exercise your democratic right and make your way to your polling station on October 18, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The polling stations for Division 1 are UFA Wheatland Farm Services (intersection of 842 and 561) and The Cluny Community Hall.

Place your mark beside Suzanne Jackson. It is time for a new voice … your voice.    

 

 

 

DIVISION 2

 

Jessica Bissonnette 

I have been a resident of Wheatland County for the past six years and have lived in Division 2 for four years. I have had the privilege of meeting a lot of people from Division 2 through my work as well as volunteering for the Ag society. I look forward to the opportunity to meet a lot more in the days leading up to election day.

On October 18th, the residence of Division 2 should vote for me because its time to get a new perspective on the Wheatland County Council. I am a hard working and open-minded individual. If elected I will strive to make well informed decisions by researching all the issues before council and seeking input and opinions from the people of Division 2. I am here to represent you and will do so to the best of my ability. I am not afraid to stand up for what I believe in.

My family and I are deeply invested in the future of Wheatland County and I am proud to have my children call this home. I am willing to listen and excited to learn. I am an outgoing person and enjoy working with the public. I am not in this for the status, nor is this just a job but my opportunity to be a positive influence on the future of Wheatland County, the place I have chosen to raise my family.

On October 18th please vote and make your voice heard. I am asking you to please vote for me, I will work very hard to ensure you will not be disappointed!

 

 

Jacki Kirk 

In this issue of The Strathmore Times, candidates have been asked “ Why should a voter mark X on the ballot beside your name?” If you are satisfied with the status quo, then there is no reason why you should. If, however, you believe it is time for fresh ideas and insights, then it is important you cast your vote for someone other than the incumbent.  

Why, then, should that someone else be me? I am sensible, fair, open-minded, and honest with the necessary time to dedicate to the position. While I have no political experience, I am a mature, civic minded, life-long learner. I have no hidden agenda, but I do have some strong convictions. I believe that it is crucial that development in Wheatland County occur responsibly, and that as we develop, the residents of Wheatland County be considered first, and be treated with fairness and truthfulness. 

If elected, I promise:

• Regular town hall meetings, keeping residents informed and encourage open discussion.

• I will put my very best effort into representing all the residents of Division 2.

• To treat all residents (hamlet, farm, and acreage) fairly and with respect, and to listen to their concerns, ideas, and questions, with an open mind, so that I may properly represent their points of view at council meetings.

Do you want to know more about me or my platform? Need a ride to a Division 2 voting station?   Not sure of your division or where to vote? Visit www.jackikirk.ca or call me at 403-901-3322. Major decisions are about to be made regarding how this county grows, so no matter who you decide to be the best candidate, if you are a resident of Division 2,  this election concerns YOU! Please cast your vote this Monday, Oct 18. Polls are open from 10 a.m. to 8p.m. 

 

 

Ken Sauve 

Why would a voter mark an “X” beside Ken Sauve’s Name?

On October 18, I would appreciate you taking the time to vote. We all know it’s a very busy time of year, but the decisions made today affect your representation for the next thee years regardless if you are voting for a mayor, a councilor or a school board member.

I decided to run for re-election as a councilor because I enjoy representing the residents of Division #2 in the County of Wheatland and I believe I’m good at the job.

I have visited with most of you during this campaign and called on every residence and droped off information. Please take the time to read it and if you have questions call me. My phone numbers are 403-734-2165 and 403-369-6526.

As a councilor, I have strived to deal fairly and honestly with people realizing that as one voice on council, you work to resolve residents issues in your area and issues that affect the entire county. I will listen to your concerns and bring them before council.

There is always a lot of issues to deal with as your councilor and I think you would agree that re-electing me as your representative, with my knowledge and experience gained in six years, would be a definite advantage.

Thank you for your past support and confidence and I ask you for your continued support on October 18th. Polls for Division #2 are at the County Office and at the Community Centre in Gleichen.

 

 

 

DIVISON 5

 

Dennis Bigras

Why should someone vote for me?

I’m a person that likes a challenge in making change for the common good. I also have a passionate drive when taking on a job to its completion. Also being semi retired, I have the time available to fully devote to this position.

I balance my decisions and actions using a common sense approach backed by my 35 years of experience in the design discipline of research and development engineering, the management of people, programs and  people skills training that I’ve had in that field. I believe this experience allows me to effectively assess, question, and determine a direction to follow in order to best represent the constituents of division 5. This direction will come from having open communications with the constituents on issues that affect them and the county as a whole. I would support a yearly divisional meeting to discuss issues and concerns in a open and respectful forum, if there was enough interest. I think there is some fence mending to do between regional areas and large town centers in developing a common purpose and unifying goals as to achieve the best leverage we can together financially. 

I believe we should enable smaller village centers that are focused on improving their own community more voice and management, from sound plans, action and accountability that council can review and guide. I believe we need to be open to new ideas in aiding our seniors now as this trend is on the increase and therefore we need to plan well ahead in supporting this increasing demand.

We are the stewards of this land and we need to be open to the continual pressures of change and the diversity that comes with it. I can help guide that as your representative, together we can make the difference. Visit www.bigras-ward5.info 

 

 

Scott Klassen 

There are several reasons why I am asking for your vote on October 18th.

I was raised and currently live on an acreage north of Nightingale, I was bussed to school in Strathmore and so are my children.

I have over 15 years working in municipal government, I started in 1989 as a laborer with the Town of Strathmore and worked my way to the Supervisor of Operations position with the Town of Irricana. I have an excellent understanding of municipal operations including budgeting, planning, infrastructure, roads, water and sewer. I was a Level two water and wastewater operator, a level two firefighter, and deputy director of disaster services. I have also worked in the private sector operating many water and wastewater plants in the Bearspaw and Bragg Creek areas. In the last four years I have purchased a trucking company in Strathmore with a partner and, moved back to the acreage where I was raised. But, I still want to be involved in municipal government and this is why I am asking for your vote.

I have an open mind and I am always willing to listen and learn the issues, I want to hear all sides and fully understand any issue before any decision is made. I want to help make Wheatland County, Division 5 a better place to live. Let me be your voice and thank you in advance for your vote.

 

 

 

Brenda Knight 

Why should a voter mark X on the ballot beside my name?

Marking an X beside my name in a step in the right direction. I bring a fresh and balanced perspective with the conviction of doing the best job for Division 5 and County residents and landowners.

With my experience in public relations, and history of community service combined with my knowledge of agricultural and business makes me the right choice.

Wheatland County is my home and my roots run deep. Over the last several weeks, I have enjoyed meeting many of you and listening to your concerns and I will be your voice on council.