2014 Strathmore by-election

Our question of the week is: What is your vision for Strathmore in the next five to 10 years?
Don’t forget that the advanced polls are happening on Monday, Dec. 8. They will be held at the Town of Strathmore office from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Anyone can vote in the advanced polls, just don’t forget to bring your I.D.

Allan Auger
What is my vision for Strathmore for the next five to 10 years? I would like to see Strathmore continue to mature and grow without losing the small town atmosphere that we have come to enjoy and that everyone looks for when they locate here.
I hope we continue connecting our communities together with the pathways that we have come to enjoy. It would be nice to see the residents of Strathmore to be able to enjoy the outdoors year round. With the walking and biking in spring and summer and possibly grooming the pathways during winter to include activities such as cross country skiing. If we can’t convert our pathways for this kind of activity then maybe the town could work with one of the local golf courses in converting their grounds for possible winter use (possibly snowmobiling).
It would also be nice if Strathmore could offer an education facility such as Olds and Red Deer. A facility that could focus on Strathmore’s involvement in the agriculture and oil and gas industries. It would also be great for local tourism if we could build the historical park across the highway that is in the planning stages right now.
In order for a lot of this to happen Strathmore, and by Strathmore I mean council and administration, work on our fiscal responsibilities such as paying down our debt and maximizing the use of our current infrastructure before we look at building more. By that I mean we should not be losing $2 million a year on our current arena and pool. If we can’t at least break even operating these facilities then how can we look at building other recreational facilities?
I would also like to see something like a community lottery started. Each year the residents of Strathmore could decide what project or projects they would like to see funded and any monies raised be used that way.
I guess in short that with just a little bit of effort and the continued work and cooperation of the residents by working with our local police and community leaders and seniors, as well as council and administration, we can all be proud, young and old to call Strathmore home. Thank you.

Glenn Freeland
My vision for Strathmore for the next 5-10 years is something that all of you can relate to – I know this because I have heard it from you! I believe that for Strathmore to succeed and be a destination town for both residential and commercial/retail growth we have to balance growth with a positive quality of life. We must plan our residential developments complete with green spaces and community recreation amenities such as ball diamonds, picnic areas and off leash areas.
Light industrial and commercial must also be planned with an eye on ease of access. This type of planning and consideration will create a tax base that is competitive with other communities of our size and make Strathmore appealing to new businesses that are looking to relocate. As the town expands we will plan for the increased load that comes with growth and commitment that our services, such as a full time fire department, will require.
The downtown core has always been a topic of discussion and one many of us are working on today. As Chairman of the Downtown Design Review Committee (DDRC) I can tell you we are working hard to promote growth in the core. I find it insulting that a few of the candidates have commented on the state of the downtown core, yet they did not step up to the plate when the town was looking for volunteers to sit on these committees. It’s easy to criticize on this topic while seeking attention, but actions speak louder than words.
The DDRC committee is working very hard with owners and residents to attract new business to the core and have planned events downtown over the summer allowing residents to connect with their downtown.
Either you are part of the solution, like the good people who give up their time to sit on volunteer committees, or you are part of the problem. I ask you to look hard at the candidates who give lip service to the issues, but don’t walk the walk.
I believe in action. The only way to find out if something will work is to try. I believe our town has a bright future as long as our elected officials and residents work together. We are a town we can all be proud off and we more to offer!
Remember to vote on Dec. 8 or Dec. 15. A vote for Glenn Freeland is a vote for action and your voice on council.

Nicole Gibbons
In 5-10 years, I see a great deal of positive change for Strathmore residents. As more housing communities are going up, so too does our population. This increases demands for transit, activities, shopping, services and education.
Strathmore has the capacity to meet the growing needs and concerns with planning, prudent spending and thoughtful investments in our development.
I see an industrial park that creates employment and trades training for our residents and their children, saving commutes, while easing the tax burden on homeowners. Enticing industrial business is a priority from any sound financial standpoint; homeowners already feel the pinch from land taxes and high water bills.
Another goal for the next 5-10 years is a downtown core that is bustling. Many people are committed to resolving the issues downtown and, with the support of the community, the building owners, tenants and the committees; this is a problem that with hard work and strategic planning will come to a successful resolve.
In the next 5-10 years, transit will be available in Strathmore, allowing our teenagers to get that after school job, seniors to move about town independently, non-drivers to shop, work or visit. Strathmore needs transit for its residents to have independent mobility to our shops and services, this will allow our community the freedom of movement it desperately needs.
I would like to encourage post-secondary colleges to offer a broader range of courses. I also see more activities for our youth, particularly the 12-18 age range; currently the younger ages have more options available to them. Our teenagers need activities to keep them busy as well. An ambitious vision certainly, but an attainable one, and one I believe needs exploring for our children.
As your voice in Town Council, I will always be available for comments, questions, conflict resolution and guidance by phone, e-mail, Facebook, Canada Post and in person. I welcome and encourage dialogue from all residents, patrons and visitors.
I ask for your support and vote on Dec. 8 or 15.
I look forward to serving as a voice of reason on your town council.

Steve Grajczyk
It is hard to predict the future of Strathmore within the next 5 to 10 years, as we are impacted by a global economy and the volatile world markets. But, as a politician you have to establish some basic vision so that we can move forward with planning and development of infrastructure in our community.
I do see the industrial commercial land on the southwest side of the highway in Strathmore being fully developed, as I know there is going to be a major car dealership moving in. Also, another major store is presently negotiating for 10 acres to develop as well. Once this happens the balance of the land will easily be sold and filled in as the above businesses will be the anchor tenants. As far as our industrial lands in the southeast of Strathmore, I envision that these will also be developed by then, which would add to offset the residential taxes.
I anticipate the population increasing upward to 15,000 to 17,000 people and keeping in mind as councillors we must continue to be very prudent in spending our tax dollars, especially with the recent drop in oil prices, which directly affects the economic growth of Strathmore. A lot of our residents depend on the continuing oil economy and the Provincial and Federal governments continue to decrease any monies coming to the smaller communities as they are short as well. Considering all the above, this will affect our ability to improve our failing streets and infrastructure.
Overall, I have a positive attitude about the continuing growth of Strathmore due to the land and housing prices in the surrounding communities exceeding our prices here in Strathmore.
This will be a benefit for families and businesses to move here and help grow our community. But of course, there are also many other reasons that make Strathmore a very attractive place to come live in; raise your family and do your business.

Jason Pollo
What is my vision for Strathmore in the next 5-10 years? Strathmore’s roots started as a railway town with a strong agricultural sense. The railway is long gone, but agriculture is still a big part of the town’s identity. That said, as the years go by, the town has seen some major changes. The population has grown very rapidly with a wide variety of citizens.
Strathmore has started to diversify and become a viable option in many different areas. It has become a place for many retirees from the city to move who want to get away from the busy lifestyle of Calgary.
Strathmore is far enough away from the city but close enough that you can make a quick trip in for any appointments. I have also seen a large increase in young families who move here and commute to jobs in the city for many of the same reasons.
Also there has been an influx of oilfield related companies pick Strathmore as a place to setup shop as opposed to the city. Over the next 5-10 years, I see Strathmore continuing to grow in all areas especially in the commercial and industrial areas. As real estate prices in Calgary continue to skyrocket, new companies and expanding companies alike will look toward Strathmore as a place to set up shop.
This has several benefits for us, it increases our tax base, which allows us to expand and improve infrastructure and recreational facilities. It also provides more local jobs which boosts our economy even more.
Both of these benefits will make Strathmore a lucrative place for young people to plant roots and start families. Strathmore will always have close ties to Calgary, but as we continue to grow, I would like to see us become more of an independent community with an identity all on its own. One where neighbours know each other and interact as a community. Strathmore may be growing, but I don’t want to see us lose our small town feel. Lets all work together to help Strathmore grow and prosper.