Heather Ryan, one of two new Olds town councillors, hopes to make sidewalks and crosswalks safer and ensure that garbage and compost is picked up more frequently ñ especially in the spring and summer months.
Ryan outlined those goals during an interview with the Albertan, saying those concerns, along with high water rates, were the issues she heard the most as she went door-to-door during her election campaign.
"I was surprised that I won because it's very difficult to beat incumbents who have name recognition," Ryan says. "I did not (have that recognition), so knowing this, I knocked on as many doors as possible.
"I did 65,000 steps each of the last two weeks, handed out over a thousand brochures and spoke to many people at the door, listening to their ideas for the town, their issues and concerns," she adds.
Ryan says the biggest issue she encountered was concern about the town's water rates.
Other issues raised with her included the need to repair sidewalks. Several residents also said there's a need for new crosswalks and for existing ones that don't have lights to be made safer.
Ryan says residents would like to see garbage and compost bins picked up more frequently; especially in the summer when it can really smell and attract bugs and pests. She and her neighbours have encountered that problem themselves.
Ryan says residents would also like to see more snow clearing.
"Perhaps we can save money for that by doing less street sweeping and lawn mowing," she says.
Ryan says going door-to-door listening to residents' concerns was "a great experience, and I plan to raise those issues with the CAO (chief administrative officer) and council."
Ryan moved to Olds about three-and-a-half years ago. After a while, she joined the Municipal Planning Commission with an eye to getting more involved in the community.
"It's been a great experience," she says. "I've learned a lot about municipal procedures and I wanted to take what I learned a step further as a councillor.
"I know there will be a lot to learn over the next few weeks, months and in fact the next four years, but I look forward to the challenge, asking questions, listening to residents and being responsive."
Shortly after the Oct. 16 civic election, Ryan attended an orientation session to learn how council operates.
"What I think is most important is we are allowed to voice our opinions but need to be respectful of the opinions of others, listen to what people have to say, keep an open mind on issues that come before us and once a decision is made, council (speaks with) one voice going forward," she says.
"I want to thank all those who came out and voted Monday and especially those who voted for me...it's clear that some people wanted change and I'm honoured that they cast their vote in my favour."
"I know there will be a lot to learn over the next few weeks, months and in fact the next four years, but I look forward to the challenge, asking questions, listening to residents and being responsive."HEATHER RYANOLDS TOWN COUNCILLOR
