Tony Jordan is seeking re-election as a councillor and can be reached at 403-636-0494.
My name is Tony Jordan. I am a long term resident of Sundre (37 years). I enjoyed growing up here in Sundre and met my wife Rhonda here, a long-term resident of Sundre as well (37 years). Rhonda and I have been married for 27 years. Together we raised our three children; Mitch, Mindy, and Darcie in Sundre. Over the past 4 years our family has grown with the welcome addition of three granddaughters and hope for more!
In my working career to date I've worn a few hats that vary from working on the rigs to oilfield maintenance and pipeline. After starting a family we decided it best to be home to be a part of raising the family so I began working at the Revelstoke sawmill which later became Sunpine and today West Fraser. Throughout my 20 years in the sawmill industry I worked many production positions followed by positions in maintenance where I achieved two Journeyman certificates; Journeyman Welder (IP red seal) and Journeyman Millwright (IP red seal). Further to this I was given opportunity to provide supervision to production crews and I was also involved in the Sunpine/West Fraser employees association.
In 2006 a new opportunity came my way with Olds College to take on the New Welding Apprenticeship program, after much thought we decided it would be a good challenge and I accepted the position. To date we have grown the program and made a positive impact in the province through constantly striving to improve our program and facility. Other tasks within this position have included: Apprenticeship Coordinator for Olds College (5 trades), and representation on various committees for the Olds College faculty Association with the latest being VP Communications.
Finally I have been very fortunate to spend the last three years as a part (1/7th) of the Council in the Town of Sundre. When elected the learning curve was very steep and somewhat overwhelming at times. My thought process would assure me that I would settle in and become accustomed to this work and sometimes that was true but other times, not so true. Truthfully, it has been what I would describe as a love/hate relationship. Sometimes its great and rewarding and all I would hope it could be but other times I'm asking myself, “Why do you do this?”, but in the end I have learned a lot about our community of Sundre, our needs, wants, and barriers. To sum this up I will say, “I wouldn't change anything”, in regard to the past three years of learning, other than seeing the whole community happy, but that's not the case so we know there is still work to do.
I'm running because I feel there is still much to be done. As I was in discussion with many in the community they have stated to me that 1st term councilors spend the first term doing a lot of learning and just as they are coming into their own the three year term is over. So they get trained and then leave (if they only serve one term), it has been suggested that it would be more of an asset in some cases to serve two terms so an improved measure of service could be achieved in the second term. This is one reason I would like to serve for a second term (now 4 years). The Town of Sundre is facing many challenges going forward into the next council term. I feel that I have an understanding of some of those issues and a desire to listen, learn, and attempt to resolve other unknowns as they arise. I am open to discussion my phone number and email are listed on the Town of Sundre website. I care about this community and want to see it prosper and grow.
I feel I'm a good choice for council because in all I do I try to be fair and objective. I always try to keep the community I represent in mind and seek positive outcomes for my community when I'm at the table with surrounding municipalities. It is my sense that Sundre is positioned well for sustainable growth into the future and it is my hope to continue to represent our community going forward.
At this point there are a number of issues on my mind, I'll list a few and they are not in any order of importance; TAXES, Affordable Seniors Housing, Health care in our community, Sustainable Commercial and Residential growth, general quality of life for Sundre residents. This list is just a start but these issues are interwoven, there is a balance that must be struck. To choose only one issue would be shortsighted on my part.
