2014 Strathmore by-election

Nomination Day for the Town of Strathmore by-elections was Nov. 17 and five residents put their names forward; Allan Auger, Glenn Freeland, Nicole Gibbons, Steve Grajczyk and Jason Pollo.
The advanced polls will be held Dec. 8 at the Town Office 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Anyone can vote in the advanced polls, or on Election Day providing they are over the age of 18 and live in the Town of Strathmore. Election Day itself is on Dec. 15 at the Strathmore Civic Centre from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Here is an introduction to each of the candidates.

 

Allan Auger
Hello, my name is Allan Auger and I am running for council in the upcoming by-election. I am a long time resident of Strathmore having lived here for nearly 35 years and enjoy the small town atmosphere very much.
I have also been locally employed in and around Strathmore most of my life. I ran for council in 2013 and my reasons for running again have not really changed a whole lot. As I said I enjoy the small town atmosphere that Strathmore provides and knowing that this town will grow within it’s new boundaries I would like the opportunity to be on council and represent the people of this town to see that it does not lose it’s small town charm and is still an outstanding place to live and work and raise a family.
I believe that most of the issues that were uppermost in our minds during the last election are still very important a year later. The development of our commercial lands to help keep our residential taxes stable and the construction of a multi-use facility for Strathmore and the surrounding areas as well as the revitalization of our downtown core.
But there has been one issue that has risen to the forefront in the last year and that is the treatment of our seniors not just in this community, but also across Alberta. Seniors across Canada are probably one of the largest lobbying groups in this country and yet they seem to have lost their voice. No longer treated like the valuable resource they should be but instead treated like a commodity to be used for profit. This scares me. If you would like to ask me a question or if you have a group that would like to meet with me in person please feel free to contact me at Allan Auger on Facebook.com.

 

Glenn Freeland
I have been a resident of the town since 1999. My wife Sandy I have owned two businesses in Strathmore; the original owner of Target Fitness, which I sold just over five years ago, and I am the owner of Aurora Capital Partners (ACP), which I started in 2003.
ACP is a traditional Retirement and Estate Planning Firm, we focus on retirement wealth retention and generational wealth transfer using established fundamentals. My office is on 2nd beside Rocky’s Bakery, so please feel free to stop by and talk. ACP also has an office in Lethbridge that my partner runs and we use the Great West Life office in Calgary. I am also a proud veteran!
I currently Chair the DDRC (downtown design review committee) for the town. I sat on the Downtown Revitalization Committee, I am the President of our current MLA’s Board of Directors, I am on the Executive of the new Federal Conservative EDA of Bow River Riding, I was a volunteer on our Town Fire Department, a volunteer for Junior Achievement and a member of the Strathmore Golf Course.
What I bring to the table is many years of experience of reviewing and recommending sound financial retirement plans for individual and companies. I have extensive experience in marketing and the ability to make decisions based on facts and needs both for current and for future growth. I work with a team of professionals to achieve desired goals so working with in a seven-person team with our current Mayor and Council is the environment I thrive in. I bring a wealth of financial knowledge and budgeting experience to the council. I am looking forward to the challenge and the learning experience that comes with being a Town of Strathmore Councilor for the next three years. I am asking for your support so we can all work together to make Strathmore a town that people and companies want to work and live in.

 

Nicole Gibbons
I have lived in the community for five years, having moved here from B.C., via Calgary, with my daughter. I have raised her on my own since she was two, a challenge and a blessing. Financial accountability and prioritizing have always been a part of my life, I am the manager at Liberty Tax, where I assist people with various financial needs and decisions. Prior to Liberty Tax I spent many years in retail management, helping customers, and guiding young people into the workforce.
I am very committed to my community, Strathmore is growing by leaps and bounds, I hope to bring some financial accountability, prudent planning, and to help set priorities should I be elected. We need to meet the needs of the citizens of Strathmore, needs such as sustainable road maintenance, the revitalization of downtown Strathmore, activities for our youth, education past high school, economic growth, employment, transit for all citizens who need it. So many of our businesses are on the outer edge of town now, it is harder for teens, seniors and non-drivers to patronize or fill employment positions. That will only become harder as Co-Op moves.
I hope you will consider electing me to town council as your representative and voice, Strathmore has tremendous potential, it is close enough to the big city and yet still retains its small town friendly charm. Prioritizing needs over frills, ensuring decisions are sound and enhance the majority of the lives of its residents, and being available for questions and comments is my pledge to you. As Strathmore grows, so do the needs of its residents and patrons, with dedication, passion, and planning we as a community can guide Strathmore into being a vibrant, healthy home for us all. Remember, your vote matters!
Thank you for your consideration

 

Steve Grajczyk
Hello, my name is Steve Grajczyk and I’m running for the open council seat in the Town of Strathmore. I have lived in Strathmore for 37 years. I have two children and three wonderful grandchildren.
In the past I have owned and operated two small businesses successfully in Strathmore and also worked in commercial investment real estate for 35 years where I gained a wealth of knowledge in that field. For 10 years I was the GM and President of the Strathmore Ag. Society.
Over the years I have belonged to various committees and was a volunteer on many boards in Strathmore. Currently, I am a volunteer with the upcoming 2015 Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games.
Through my previous experiences, I feel I can serve as councillor for the community and citizens of Strathmore.
My past 30 years of participation and involvement in the community has given me good insight to the needs and direction that best serves the growth of the community. We must also encourage cooperation and respect for our rural neighbours who shop and enjoy amenities in our town. We must also advocate for the seniors as they are the ones who built our community. I would also like to continue to make improvements to our parks, pathways and recreational facilities. As well as continuing improvements of our streets. I am also very familiar with our ongoing storm water issues, which could become very expensive for the town taxpayers.
I am retired and have the time, experience and knowledge to be your councillor. I have a strong vision of the processes we need to meet the challenges we are facing. I want this community to move forward for families to want to live and prosper here. I have a solid background in selling commercial real estate and have the knowledge and connections to help bring commerce and investment to Strathmore.
It is imperative that we have a strong industrial park so that all citizens can live here, work here, and enjoy all the amenities here without going to the city. We need a greater engagement with the community, Mayor, and council, and encourage public input and concerns.
I look forward to your support and vote on Dec. 8 and/or Dec. 15. Please come out and vote for me, Steve Grajczyk.

 

Jason Pollo
My name is Jason Pollo, I’m 32 and have grown up in the Strathmore area. Country raised, I had good values instilled by my parents. I graduated from SHS in 2000 and after a few different construction jobs and a brief stint in the oil patch I decided to come back and get in to the family business of trucking and excavating, which I now run along side my father.
I’ve always had an interest in politics and believe you can’t complain if your not willing to step up and try and do your part to effect change. When this opportunity came about I decided now was the time.
I feel a younger voice who isn’t afraid to go against the grain to stand up for what is right is needed. I am a huge believer in transparency in government as well as elected officials being held accountable. Growing up here, Strathmore was a great place and I would like to do my part to rejuvenate it and make it a great place for the younger generation to raise a family and work or start a business.
I’m a blue collared guy who is easily approachable and is ready to listen to any and all ideas. Looking forward to doing my part to make Strathmore the great place it can be.