Another Olds councillor has tossed their hat into the ring for the upcoming municipal election on Oct. 16. Coun. Mary Anne Overwater announced last Friday that she would let her name stand for a second term on council.
On whether she had considered running for mayor, Overwater said she wanted more experience on council first, although she didn't rule out the possibility in the future.
"Maybe, but not this term," she said. "I hope to get re-elected as a councillor and be able to continue my duties that way."
Despite coming from a political background ñ with family members who have also been involved in the political scene ñ Overwater said the first years as a councillor are a challenge, with a huge learning curve when it comes to rules, regulations and agreements.
"Taking the knowledge that I've learned ñ the decorum, the protocol, the rules and regulations ñ going forward, I think I can serve our community well," she said.
In addition to accumulated experience, Overwater said one of her strengths is speaking up during council meetings, seeking clarity and making sure she understands what's going on.
"Sometimes people think there's dumb questions, but I am not afraid to ask any question in council," she said. "I am not afraid to step outside the box and voice my opinion."
As far as issues she hopes to focus on if re-elected, Overwater said she'd like to see the town start thinking more regionally.
"There's a limited amount of tax dollars, whether they are coming from our residents, whether they are coming from the provincial or federal (governments)," she said. "We have to try and come up with more efficient processes, for what we do."
"I think we need to start really thinking regionally, instead of just in our box," she said.
Overwater said this kind of thinking means collaborating with the county and with nearby municipalities to share both expenses and profits. This might include sharing recreation spaces, like pools and arenas, as well as cooperating on land developments that affect more than one region.
"We have to work collaboratively," she said. "If we can work together that way, I think it will be a benefit for everyone."
In addition, she said the town needs to better promote itself, saying that Olds has great schools, trails, parks, recreation, as well as the technology infrastructure to support strong businesses.
"I think our industrial and commercial base is growing, and we are a community of choice," said Overwater. "We have businesses that want to come here, and be here, because it's a small community for their children to grow up in, but they can still do worldwide business."
"I don't think we promote that as well as we should," she said.
Overall, Overwater said she believes the town is well run, with good public engagement, and an administration that works hard to listen to what people want.
"We give the residents a chance to have a voice," she said. "Come speak to us whenever you want ñ if you want to be on our agenda, come speak to us; if you want to phone any of us we are available to come and speak to you."
Overwater said that while the current council has a range of demographics, she also encourages others to run for a position.
"Everybody should put their name forward ñ the more diverse we are on council, then we can always be better," she said.
"Sometimes people think there's dumb questions, but I am not afraid to ask any question in council. I am not afraid to step outside the box and voice my opinion."COUN. MARY ANNE OVERWATER
