So come on down to the Coalhurst Community Centre (527 50 Ave, Coalhurst, AB), and let’s get chatting!!

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Let me share a few of my ideas.

Lets start with Short Term Goals (within the first year)

I think my first goal and biggest goal would be communication.

What is the town doing? What’s going on at this location in town? What are the timelines for town events? These are questions I’ve heard while out and about talking with Coalhurstians. Often the news is disjointed and in scattered locations at best. I’d like to see more of a coordinated effort from town. What does that mean? Lets start utilizing some of the things that are in place. The town calendar and website? We should be using that to list all activities in town. Council meetings, events for the 55 Plus Society, Legion activity, Parks and Rec Society, and your events. They should all be on there. Lets have one place we can go to know what’s happening in town.

In addition to this I’d like to see one spot where the town can be proactive in telling us what’s going on. Did you know there’s a plan to get pathways put in by the canal that is supposed to start this year? I’ve been told this information from conversations – why is this not on the town website for others to see? I feel information like this should be easy for you and I to access. This would help add transparency to how our tax money is being spent.

Following up with communication I’d like to mention accountability.

If I become elected to council I’d like to provide information for where that tax money is being spent. We can compare our town against similar sized towns to see if we are getting the most bang for our buck. Something as simple as a report can be used to show that we are doing our best to be fiscally responsible while trying to achieve our goals.

I don’t like paying taxes and I’m certain I’m not the only one that shares this feeling. If I had an understanding of where that money was going that would be a lot easier to justify.

I also have thoughts on medium and long term goals as well but you’ll have to keep an eye out to see what they are.

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When my family had moved down in September of 2020, we were very happy with the choice we made. Not knowing anyone in town I had a question about the sprinkler system in our town and had contacted someone about it from a Facebook post. Who knew that message would have lead to a friendship, and had also left me feeling like this town care about others.

I want to help out by joining town council. I realize this task will require time, energy, and effort but I am ready to take on that challenge. I am willing to listen and to have conversations about what makes this a great place to live and what things could make this town even a better place to live. If you can take a chance on someone new, who is ready to put in the work, I’ll do my best to represent you in a way that would make you proud and have it known that your concerns are being listened to.

The post Why did I decide to run for council? first appeared on Scott Akkermans.

What’s going right?

I feel this town has a lot going for it.

The community has been nothing but welcoming since we moved in. When compared to what we had experienced in Edmonton the amount of help that strangers (now neighbours) have shown us has been incredible.

I’m seeing a lot of recent growth in town. My little guy loves that the spray park is now open. I’ve also noticed a lot of activity with the parks and rec society and the 55 plus society on facebook.

Can we mention the Coalhurst grad parade!? My wife and I thought that was a ton of fun! Our little guy loved watching the fire trucks and waving to all the grads as they passed by.

What’s going wrong?

This is tough to answer with the limited time I’ve spent in town although I do have a few observations.

News about the town seems to be lacking information at times. There could be more engagement from the town to inform citizens on what’s happening, and adding more transparency – an example would be a recent post about the spray park being delayed with minimal information as to why.

When I’m out and about I often see a lot of distracted drivers on their cell phones and people who think some street signs are optional. With the number of kids in the community, I’d like to see some action taken to help curb the possibility of an accident before they happen.

What could be better?

I think covid had thrown a wrench into things but I’d love to see more engagement within the community.

The town website has a community calendar to share events around town but there’s not much posted on there. I’d love to see events from the town along with groups in the town being posted. Let’s show everyone how much we have on the go.

I’d love to see miner’s day and Canada day as bigger celebrations. I realize this year had covid throw a wrench into everything, but I’d love to see these events come back strong.

In Summary

Nothing is ever perfect, but I think Coalhurst is a great town. I’d love to be able to work with the community to make this town a great place to call home.

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