Reeve Amber Link announces intent to not seek re-election

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Wheatland County Reeve Amber Link has announced she will not be seeking re-election this fall once the current council term comes to its conclusion.

Initially being elected to Wheatland County council in 2017, Link was elevated to serve as Reeve in 2018.  She explained her decision to not seek reelection comes from a culmination of reflection, timing, and a recognition that she believes it is the right time for her to step aside. 

“I’ve given this role everything I have, and I truly believe in the importance of knowing when to make space for new leadership and fresh perspectives,” she said. “We’re in a good place as a municipality, financially stable, with strong leadership in our administration and exciting projects in motion. It feels like the right time to hand the reins over while we still have momentum. I also have a strong sense of clarity about where I want to contribute next, and that helped guide my decision.”

Link regarded that throughout her two terms serving on council, the last eight years have been a period of major transformation and growth for the county, that have not been without their challenges.

She recalled starting her first day as an elected official entering an emergency operations center set up in order to respond to a wildfire which stretched throughout the county. This was shortly followed by an instance of major flooding. 

“Over the course of my terms, we faced a series of unprecedented challenges, including extreme drought leading to the declaration of an Agricultural Disaster, a global pandemic, a sharp economic downturn, the impacts of the oil and gas crisis and a provincial Assessment Model Review which resulted in a 3 per cent reduction to our total revenue, but could have been as high as a 19 per cent reduction with one proposed model,” added Link. 

Inversely, she also detailed her time on council was full of highlights, notably including the commitment from De Havilland to construct their new aircraft manufacturing campus, and the development of CGC’s new wallboard manufacturing plant within the county. 

Additionally, Link explained throughout her tenure, the county worked to modernize their planning policies, protect farmland, expand broadband access, secure long-term infrastructure, and complete asset management analyses in order to set the municipality up for future success.

Among the lessons learned throughout her terms, she said, are the importance of communication and clarity in governance. 

“Sometimes what seems clear in council or in policy doesn’t always translate well to the public. We’ve had to navigate complex issues, and I’ve seen how important it is to explain not just the what, but the why behind decisions,” she said. “I also think as a council we’re always working to balance decisiveness with meaningful engagement; that’s a continual challenge.”

Link said she desired to run for election initially due to a belief in rural Alberta needing strong leadership and people who could balance fiscal responsibility with long-term vision. 

Among her motivations were to help shape a future which worked both for the constituents of today, as well as of the next generation. 

For those choosing to run this election, Link advised to be very clear on the “why,” prior to making the commitment to run and potentially see election. 

“Understand that public service is demanding, and you’ll face tough decisions, but it’s also incredibly meaningful work. Listen well to diverse perspectives, work hard, and always keep the long-term best interest of your community in mind,” she said.

For whoever steps forward to serve as the next Reeve, she also added words of advice, wishing them success during their own tenure.

“Lead with integrity and vision. Be collaborative, but also courageous. Don’t be afraid to make hard decisions, but always make sure you’re listening to your team, your conscience, and to residents,” she said. “One of the challenges of leadership is discerning whether the input you receive represents the full range of perspectives in your community, or whether it reflects the views of a vocal minority whose concerns may be shaped by personal interests or limited context around the decision being made.”

Link did not specify precisely what she intends to do next, however she said she remains passionate about contributing to Alberta’s future, particularly in avenues to strengthen the local economy, and community building.