“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”
And on that note I am retiring from Innisfail town council.
Our scribbler asked if I would write a column for the paper outlining my experiences on council. Reflecting back there has been positive, negative and frustrating moments.
To the positive, I just can't compare anything to the fact that as a councillor you have a voice in influencing the direction of your community. And, if you love where you live isn't that an honour?
When you look back and see all the things that have been accomplished in infrastructure, growth, reserves and our competitive tax base it fills you with a sense of pride and satisfaction.
Negative times are certainly a part of council life. You are elected to make decisions and as a consequence some decisions made by council can be very controversial to some citizens.
I can say that I have lost the respect of a number of taxpayers, which leads to frustrating moments.
Council members have the information that the public doesn't. We know the “ins” and “outs” that citizens may not understand. So it takes courage to sit at the council table. It can be intimidating when facing a gallery of disgruntled taxpayers.
I have served with the premise that you base your decisions on sound advice and due diligence, and that you base those decisions on what is best for all 8,000 citizens.
I have had some great opportunities as a councillor. I have had the pleasure of representing Innisfail on regional and provincial boards. One of my favourite moments was serving as the chair of the Parkland Regional Library Systems Board when libraries across the province were going from paper to digital. It was a large learning curve for all and a great experience.
Another passion I have is for our watershed. I was so fortunate to have been elected as the urban co-chair for the Red Deer River Municipal Users Group. This group represents 300,000 people who reside in our watershed basin. This group has been instrumental in shaping policy around water use and quality of the Red Deer River.
I was also fortunate to be part of the Innisfail Welcoming Communities. With a zero budget but involvement from every sector in our town, we helped our new Canadians feel at home and valued in the community. It was one of the greatest experiences I have ever had. This group was given the AUMA award for excellence in community collaboration.
To those who take the seats after the election, I wish you success. And a large thank you to all who have supported me over the years. To everyone I have served with, thank you for many memorable years.
Patt Churchill has been an elected town councillor in Innisfail and Bowden for 25 years. This month she announced her retirement from civic politics.
