I was asked to relay my platform...This is what I think. I believe a strong economy is needed. This economy does not need to built at the cost of the businesses that already exist. I believe progress demands that we rethink the way we exist as town. If we are going to continually rely on tourism as a cornerstone of the economy, instead of acknowledging that the 13000 people we have living here everyday can contribute, and do contribute, to a vibrant economy, we will always suffer the same issues with a poor summer or a rainy day. I believe that we need to get people looking inward and shopping inward. Stop looking down the highway for the answers to our questions. Sylvan Lake is a town that boasts rich traditions, but tradition has a place in daily social life, it should not simply be the reason we do things. Just because we always have is not a reason to continue to keep doing. Most importantly for me, I believe that the people that elect politicians should not have to constantly wonder what those politicians were thinking when they make decisions that effect the community. We are elected to represent your interests, not to propagate and further our own. I have no agenda other than to see this town progress in a way that is socially and economically responsible, environmentally sustainable and mutually beneficial for not only the half of us that have moved here in the last 15 years, but for the ones that built the community as well. I am not a traditionalist, but I am also not a developer that sees bigger as better. I shop local. I live local. I contribute to the community as best I can. I do not seek change in all things, but I do think that if there is a better way, a tried and true, better way, then we should explore it. I believe that if we are going to continue to grow as a community, both literally and figuratively, we need to accept that things are going to be different. Rebuild the Downtown as a new “Old Towne Centre”. Expand our tourism opportunities to include opportunities that encompass the entire calendar. Put pressure on those that are reaping the benefits of Sylvan Lake without contributing to it’s fiscal base. Build a community for the thousands of children that are occupying our schools, playgrounds, spray parks, green spaces. Work in partnership with Private business to bring a convention centre, a sport and wellness centre, a combined High School and Wellness Facility like other communities have done. These are all ideas, some possible, some decades away. However, we need to think down the road. We need to embrace progress. I often think of that painting that shows a horse racing on a train track heading towards an on-coming train. I see it as progress. If the horse continues on the track then the train will destroy it. However, if he moves to the side, redefines his role, accepts his new place in society as a wonderful means of entertainment, he will continue to be useful and a contributing part of society. That’s progress. I could go on for an eternity. In short, I want to be sure that decisions are made in the best interest of the people that elect me. I in no way am claiming that dishonesty or impropriety has occurred with the sitting council. I just do not want to have to ask the question any longer, “What were they thinking when they decided on that?”
Posted on: Thu, 08 Aug 2013 00:38:34 +0000
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