Fule announces candidacy for third term as mayor

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Pat Fule has made the announcement he will be seeking reelection this fall for a third term to be seated as Mayor of Strathmore. 

He explained over the past several months, he had debated when the ideal time to make the announcement would be, giving other potential candidates enough notice, as well as whether to run again.

“I did have some health issues early in the new year, and I have really rebounded well. My doctor and I worked on a plan and I am feeling a lot better; I am healthier, I have lost some weight, I am energized, and some of the things that affected me are being cleared up now physically,” he said. “I have a lot more energy and I am feeling a lot more positive towards running one more time. There are also some initiatives that I really feel strongly about that I would like to help get across the finish line.”

Among these, Fule explained, is the new Wheatland Lodge project, as he would like to see increased affordable housing in town for seniors. 

Additionally, he would like to see the eventual construction of a new fire station to establish better protection for all of Strathmore’s residents. 

“With a new fire station built right on the 817, I believe we could hit all the areas of Strathmore more efficiently, faster, and provide better fire protection and fire suppression to all parts of Strathmore. I think that is so huge for our residents to have them better protected,” said Fule. 

“The other thing is, I really believe that you need experience and knowledge in this next phase of Strathmore’s growth. We are going to have a lot of growth, a lot of subdivisions being built. We have already seen The Ranch, the northern park of Strathmore Lakes, WestCreek is in its early stages, we also have Edgefield that is gearing up for housing there.”

Fule has served on Town of Strathmore council for 15 years, first being elected as a council member for seven years and spending the last eight as mayor. 

Formerly a teacher at Strathmore High School, he retired from teaching in order to take on the position as mayor.

“I believe that while being mayor here is not full time, you need to be able to be responsive quickly. Sometimes I get called in for sudden meetings, to do electronic fund transfers, to sign documents, visits, (etc.).”

“I think I have some tools that I can offer, and I have the energy now that I am feeling healthier, I am lighter, I am more energized now, I have a lot of hope, a lot of optimism for the town … I think I bring some calmness and stability in my leadership, and I think that is good for our staff, it is good for our residents, it is good for all my interactions with business leaders, as well as outside groups.”

Over the next several months, Fule explained he intends to continue operating with the current council as though he had not announced his candidacy.

Fule added he has begun work on his platform and is aiming to release it to the public within the next three weeks. 

“I will be trying to get some things finalized and put together, and then I will be working with different groups to get things printed and be ready to start canvassing,” he said. “I think if people trusted me as a teacher and a resident, and a friend and a neighbour, hopefully they will trust me again for a third term as mayor. I am ready, I am energized, I am going to bring my knowledge and experience in whatever relationships I have created … I will do whatever I can to move Strathmore forward while keeping it as a great town.”