DIDSBURY — Rhonda Hunter says she hopes to continue work on several important projects started during the current term if she is re-elected mayor on Oct. 18.
Hunter is facing off against current councillor Erhard Poggemiller for the mayor’s position.
“I believe I have lots to offer,” Hunter told The Albertan. “The relationships I’ve built during my (first) term, the get-things-done attitude that I’ve followed and my love for my community is really what my advantage is. I think it goes a long way that I show my spirit and pride in my community all the time.
“I speak positively about my community all the time and that’s why I’m running.”
She cited her four years as mayor and her previous 28 years of municipal employment experience as positive assets.
Asked what some of her plans are for the new term, she said creating an updated strategic plan for the community will be an important priority for council, administration and the community at large.
“It is really important to have a collaborative, interactive strategic plan that is developed with input from all stakeholders in the community, and that means engagement with them,” she said. “That is certainly going to be a focus for me.
“Didsbury is at a point right now where we are growing and we are seeing a lot of development and we’ve got a lot of new residents and business coming in. So, this is the time to really focus on our community vision.”
Developing an annual services level review document will also be a focus for her during the new term, she said.
Maintaining existing relationships and building new ones during the new term will also be a priority, she added.
“I definitely want to continue with all the relationships we’ve built,” she said. “There are so many relationships, with the chamber, RCMP, Alberta Health Services, the hospital, residents, administration, schools, volunteers, staff, our municipal colleagues and many others.
“Relationship building is a really big part of what is important for me.”
Improving and supporting infrastructure such as roads and sidewalks is also something she plans to focus on, she said.
Getting the expanded library project completed and ensuring access to sustainable and affordable housing in town will be also be priorities, she said.
Projected cuts to provincial municipal sustainability initiative funding in the next few years and increasing policing costs will create challenges for the town, challenges she says she is prepared to help the community meet.
“I’m all about fiscal responsibility for our community and that we look after our budget as best we can,” she said. “I think the council of the day is going to have thoughtful discussions on how things can be managed.”
Hunter says if elected, she will push for support of local businesses.
“One of our big focuses must be shopping local,” she said.
For more information on her campaign, visit rhondahunter.ca.
