2014 Strathmore by-election

Our question of the week is: Why should voters choose you to represent them for the rest of this election term?
Don’t forget! Election Day is Dec. 15. Voting stations will be set up at the Strathmore Civic Centre from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. All you need is your I.D. and to have lived in town for at least six months.

 

Allan Auger
Probably the hardest thing to do, tell everyone why they should vote for you. Well I guess I would expect people to want the same things from me as I would want to see in a candidate. I don’t think a candidate has to show themselves as a team leader but rather a team player. It takes seven people on council to work together to set and achieve common goals.
It is not uncommon for individuals to have different ideas on which way council should decide to proceed on certain issues but it shows real character to be able to compromise and listen to each other and the residents of Strathmore as well to separate the wants from the needs of the town.
Several years ago I would never have given thought to running for council. I always thought that was for people who had too much time on their hands or were looking to advance themselves politically or who just wanted to see their name in newsprint. So why am I interested in local politics now? Well a couple of reasons come to mind.
I left this town a few years back as any young person might do, thinking that Strathmore did not have a lot to offer me. But after doing some travelling around western Canada and trying my hand at several different trades I always found my way back to this town. I suppose this is where my heart truly is and after a few years of thinking Strathmore had nothing to offer me I came to the realization that this was not true.
So that is why I want people to vote for me on Dec. 15. I want to have the opportunity to give back to this small town and work for the people within it and to help keep Strathmore what it is today, which is a great place to call home.
I also want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

 

Glenn Freeland
Representing the people of Strathmore as a councillor is a responsibility that every elected official, no matter what level of government or organization, can be taken lightly. In many ways officials that have not taken this seriously points to a core failure of our current governance and why we have many of the issues that our communities face today.
“Why should voters chose me to represent them?” is an easy question to answer. I believe strongly that the responsibility of a councillor is to represent the people of Strathmore above all else. This is the first and last thought in my mind as I research and communicate with you, the citizens.
I also believe that elections should not be popularity contests. Rather you should chose your councillor by merit and their ability to fulfill the duties required. Running the Town of Strathmore should be looked at as a business venture and as such our elected officials should be able to make sound business decisions, posses the ability for long-term planning, be fiscally responsible and be the gate keeper of the public funds.
Some of the candidates have been talking about transparency, being fiscally responsible and encouraging growth but they present a risk to you and our community. They have no track record that demonstrates these beliefs. When the town has asked for volunteers to sit on committees they have not stepped up to the plate. How can you vote on a promise without some history to back it up, to see real signs of the beliefs and character they profess.
I am an active member of the community, I sit on town and community committees, I have a demonstrated track record of being fiscally responsible and transparent. Full disclosure is not a pitch to you, it is a personal belief that I adhere to, not just for compliance to retain my licenses for my business but because it is the right thing to do!
It is extremely important that your councillor possesses these beliefs and skills. Your councillor must also be accessible to all town residents and businesses. My office is on 2nd Ave beside Rocky’s Bakery. Stop by any time. Let’s move our town forward together.
I am asking for your vote on Dec. 15 to do just that!

 

Nicole Gibbons
I look forward to being your next town councillor because; I believe Strathmore needs positive, fresh ideas, unbiased thinking, and fiscal responsibility. I have the desire and the availability to connect with the residents and businesses of Strathmore.
Strathmore is poised for residential, commercial and industrial growth. This will bring tremendous opportunities for planned expansion that will benefit Strathmore residents and the surrounding communities for years to come.
Over the course of the next three years, I am committed to working with the town council, residents, surrounding communities, committees and businesses to ensure Strathmore remains a great place for parents to raise their children, and an outstanding place for all of its citizens to call home.
The community of Strathmore has proven time and again to be a warm, welcoming town, where people help each other in times of need. The heart of this town is truly inspirational. As Strathmore grows, we can retain that heart, while building a community with transit, a vibrant downtown, a booming industrial foundation, more amenities and activities for all ages, and higher education for our children.
I have been involved as a volunteer in community renewal and growth for many years, and can bring those successful ideas with me. My family commitments allow me to dedicate the time and energy required of a town councillor and community volunteer. I can think of no better use of that time, than supporting the community and residents that make this town a great place to live and call home.
As your voice on town council, I will always be available for your comments, questions and guidance. Please contact me by telephone, email, Facebook, Canada Post or in person. I welcome and encourage dialogue from all residents, patrons and visitors.
I ask for your support and vote on Dec. 15.
I look forward to serving as a voice of reason on your Town council.

 

Steve Grajczyk
Voters should choose me because of my vast experience by serving on two previous terms on council. I’ve successfully owned and operated two businesses in town, which I have since sold, and also worked in commercial real estate investment for 35 years which gave me a good insight and knowledge into the needs and direction of our community.
Having lived in this community for the past 37 years, I’ve watched the growth and changes in that time. I stayed involved and active in the community through volunteering and being on several boards and committees.
All the above has given me the knowledge and experience of knowing the wants, needs and direction of the community. As your councillor, I will listen to you, the people, to make things happen. I will also work closely with the mayor, council and administration on your behalf.
I know what has to be done with the many issues in town, i.e: upgrade our infrastructure, recreation, hospital and library facilities, while still being responsible with the taxpayer’s dollars. This is a very complex job and I’m willing to tackle it for you.
Through my past experiences, I can step into the job where I left off, a job and community that I love and am so familiar with.
Please vote for me!

 

Jason Pollo
I have to admit this past four weeks has been a learning curve, but an exciting adventure for sure. I hope this adventure is just getting started. A vote for me is a vote for a young, energetic, passionate person who is excited to step into and learn the ins and outs of municipal politics.
I feel I have a lot to offer this great town, the town I’ve grown up in and care so much about. Last week we had a candidates forum and it gave me good insight in to the concerns and wants of the citizens. With your help on Election Day I would like start working with the rest of council to start to tackle these issues and any others that arise.
For example a multi-use recreational facility is a huge want for the town but obviously isn’t going to happen overnight. It costs a lot of money to both build and then run. We can however look at doing a lot of pre-building legwork such as procuring land and looking in to building grants. Also in the meantime we can look in to working with some of the many non-profit groups in Strathmore to come up with other solutions to provide more recreational activities for our kids.
An outdoor rink for instance would be a huge and could be utilized year round also, lacrosse in summer. I also want to see downtown revitalized. I am easily approachable and look forward to hearing from any and all citizens. I have a lot of ideas on how we can make Strathmore even better as we go forward and grow as a community. So in closing I’ll say again a vote for me is a vote for a young, passionate person with a strong voice who is really looking forward to serving as a new voice on your town council. On Dec. 15 get on down to the civic centre and mark an X beside Jason Pollo.
If we work together there is nothing we can’t accomplish.