Questions welcome as Hebbes hosts Division 2 open house

By Melissa Crispin-Piche Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Coun. Berle Hebbes invites Division 2 residents to an open house in Namaka Nov. 14. Whether you have questions about a road, an idea for the community or simply want to meet your councillor, Coun. Hebbes looks forward to hearing from you and discussing your concerns. 

The Wheatland County councillor is hosting the gathering Nov. 14 at 4 p.m. at the Namaka Community Hall, offering residents an informal opportunity to ask questions, share concerns and talk about what matters to them.

His goal is straightforward.

“I would like to hear what my people want,” said Coun. Hebbes.

Communication has been a priority for Coun. Hebbes, who said he had always planned to hold an open house and also hopes to spend time door knocking during his second summer in office. The gathering will give neighbours a chance to connect with him directly and help shape the discussion around their own priorities.

Taxes and roads are among the subjects he expects could come up, along with the water and wastewater infrastructure that forms a substantial part of his council work. But residents do not need to arrive with a particular topic or a detailed understanding of county business.

They are welcome to come, listen and ask questions. 

“Just realistically, whatever people want to chat about,” said Coun. Hebbes.

The format will depend partly on attendance. Tables will be available, along with microphones if a larger crowd turns out. With a smaller group, Coun. Hebbes said the conversation could be as simple as sitting around a table together.

The emphasis is on making room for residents to speak and giving them a chance to get answers in a comfortable setting.

While some subjects have limits on what he can discuss publicly, Coun. Hebbes said broader conversations about industrial areas, development and community safety are welcome. Safety, he added, is an issue he takes seriously.

The late-afternoon start is intended to make it convenient for residents to stop in while there is still daylight and spend some time talking before heading home for supper.

For Coun. Hebbes, that willingness to listen extends beyond the open house. He said responding to residents and seeing their concerns firsthand are important parts of representing Division 2.

“You got a concern about your road. I will literally drive there within a day,” he said. “I’ll answer the phone and I will get in the truck and get there pretty darn quick on almost any issue.”

The open house offers a chance to begin those conversations face to face, whether residents have a specific concern to raise or simply want to hear more about work underway in their division.

For Coun. Hebbes, the starting point is getting people together and hearing what they have to say.

Coun. Hebbes said he is eager to receive emails if people can’t attend and even phone calls. He can be reached via email (berle.hebbes@wheatalndcounty.ca). Alternatively, his cell number is 403-901-9639 which he promises to return your call if you leave a message.