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Decision 2013: Meet the Town Council candidates II

'All citizens are important and should have the services to help them achieve a great quality of life.' - James (Jim) A. Smith

NAME: Peter Simons.

HOMETOWN: Stettler.

AGE: 51.

FAMILY: Single.

YEARS IN GOVERNMENT: Three years on town council.

YOUR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: I am very involved in continuing education, serving on the Stettler Adult Learning Committee and as a member of the Governance Team of Campus Alberta. I am also active in the Heartland Arts Troupe (HATS) and serve on the executive of the MASH Pool League. For the past three years, I have also served on the Stettler District Ambulance Authority and County of Stettler Housing Authority boards.

HOBBIES: Hiking, downhill skiing and reading.

YOUR GREATEST ATTRIBUTES:

A passion for serving my community and a willingness to tackle issues directly and honestly.

MAIN ISSUES IN THE CAMPAIGN AND YOUR SUGGESTIONS TO ADDRESS THEM:

I do not feel that there are any major issues facing the Town of Stettler at present. Present Council has done a good job at engaging the community on plans and in following through on them. I hope that continues. These are areas I believe council will need to focus on in the coming term:

1. Continuing to make physician recruitment a priority and ensuring that Stettler has a strong voice when addressing health care and seniors’ housing issues with the province;

2. Maintaining and improving Stettler’s excellent recreation infrastructure and working with our partners at the County of Stettler to develop a long-term, equitable funding formula for recreation;

3. Ensuring that roadways and water and sewer infrastructure are maintained at a high standard;

4. Developing improvements to the Intermunicipal Development Plan with the County of Stettler and continuing an emphasis on fair and well-thought-out land-use planning.

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NAME: James (Jim) A. Smith

HOMETOWN: Stettler. I’ve resided in the Stettler area for the past 24 years.

AGE: 58.

FAMILY: Cathy, my wife of 38 years, daughter Dawn, oldest son Jim and youngest son Scott. We have six grandchildren.

YOUR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: I have been a member of Apollo Lodge for 25 years and the Royal Arch in the Masonic Order. Minor hockey coach for eight years. Hockey official, referee and linesman, for 10 years; two years as a penalty-box timekeeper for the Stettler Lightning. I completed two years on the Anglican Church Vestry.

YOUR HOBBIES: I enjoy watching minor hockey. I also like to golf and swim. But fishing and camping are at the top of my list.

YOUR GREATEST ATTRIBUTES:

This question is hard for me to answer, because I believe one of my attributes is thinking of others first, instead of bragging up or talking of myself. Since I’m requested to answer, I believe I’m honest and treat each and every person with equality. I always think of others first. With my family, their health, interests and careers are foremost. With the public, you’re always treated with respect and honesty each and every time we meet.

MAIN ISSUES IN THE CAMPAIGN AND YOUR SUGGESTIONS TO ADDRESS THEM:

All citizens are important and should have the services to help them achieve a great quality of life. Access to education, recreation, housing and jobs are important to each and every person who calls Stettler home. Our economy thrives when we carefully focus on places and opportunities for people. It requires vision, innovation, and creativity in all aspects of community planning.

With a business-minded approach to building the amenities that attract and retain our population of entrepreneurs, workers and students, we can ensure a safe future in Stettler.

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NAME: Zachary Jackson.

HOMETOWN: Stettler; formerly Calgary.

AGE: 38.

YEARS IN GOVERNMENT: I have been an active member of the provincial PC party while working on both Ralph Klein’s election campaign for leadership and for premier of Alberta, in addition to being heavily involved with the federal PC party at a grassroots level.

YOUR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: I am a small business owner, the Sears on main street in Stettler, for the last four years. I am a volunteer member of the Stettler Regional Fire Department.

HOBBIES: Various, including a love of the arts, the gun range and a great day of golf — to name a few.

YOUR GREATEST ATTRIBUTES:

Above all is my ability to get to the centre of any matter. A strong belief in customer care, transparency in actions and fiscal responsibility.

MAIN ISSUES IN THE CAMPAIGN AND YOUR SUGGESTIONS:

Responsible spending. Transparency in government. Times have changed. We’d like to see a new type of leadership in Stettler: an approachable type of leadership that’s in touch with today’s issues.

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NAME: Sean Nolls

HOMETOWN: Stettler; formerly Millet, AB.

AGE: 35.

FAMILY: Sandy Miles (common-law), Ashley Miles (stepdaughter).

YOUR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Donate to numerous events. Actively involved with the work experience program at the high school. On the first Friday of every month, sponsor a swim at the Stettler Recreation Centre.

YOUR HOBBIES: Golf, target shooting, and a good movie.

YOUR GREATEST ATTRIBUTES:

Being able to resolve issues under pressure, looking at any situation and pulling positives from it. I worked up from a part-time position to owning my own business from within the same company.

MAIN ISSUES IN THE CAMPAIGN AND YOUR SUGGESTIONS TO ADDRESS THEM:

Moving forward: By moving forward, I mean growing the town through attracting more goods and services, and growing the population, through affordable housing, and increasing the amount of rental properties. Not everyone can afford to buy a house. Hopefully, we can do this by attracting builders to the area …

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NAME: Karen Sernecky.

HOMETOWN: Stettler; formerly of Moose Jaw, Sask.

AGE: 32.

FAMILY: Husband Jason and sons Jordan, 6, and Kyle, 4.

YEARS IN GOVERNMENT: I have no previous experience, but I have a keen interest in fiscal responsibility, and the balance needed to maintain a good quality of life for the community.

YOUR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: I am a member of the Kinette Club of Stettler, and by being a member of such a great organization, I have the opportunity to be a part of a group of dedicated women and volunteering my time to raise money for many different parts of our community to assist them with their funding needs.

In my spare time, I am also a Lia Sophia sales representative and a Biosculpture nail technician, due to my love of jewelry and nails.

HOBBIES: Golfing, camping, hunting.

YOUR GREATEST ATTRIBUTES:

I am attentive and reliable, with an outgoing personality. I am also approachable, a fast learner, and I work well in a team. Moving here has been an amazing experience for my family and I am excited to be a part of making this town the best place to live.

MAIN ISSUES IN THE CAMPAIGN AND YOUR SUGGESTIONS TO ADDRESS THEM:

I have lived in other rural towns in Alberta and have found that Stettler has a lot to offer and I will strive to continue the great reputation that has already been developed in our rural town.

As a new councillor and the only female, I believe that I can bring a different way of analyzing issues with compassion yet still be firm in my beliefs. Along with my supportive husband and children, I will strive to continue moving forward to a bright future.