1. How long have you lived here?
My husband Al and I moved to a farm north of 16 Mile in Fall 2006; I had moved my parents here before us.
2. What is your occupation?
Our income is mainly from farming (raising meat goats) and rental income from the ‘Moritz’s Cabins’ on Quartz Rd. that we purchased in 2007.
3. Have you done any volunteer work here?
My volunteer work has been with the Bonaparte Watershed Stewardship Society: I sat on the board for about three years, served a term as Secretary. I have sat on national boards, and done other community work - see next Q.
4. Have you served on a town council before?
The closest experience in community leadership was being President of a Community League in Edmonton when I was a new homeowner and young mother. I took a lead role in opposing City plans for a raised rapid transit line through the community, and made alternative proposals that eventually were chosen. When I took over from an ‘old guard’ president who did not encourage involvement, and started new initiatives like playground improvement and skating rink rehabilitation, suddenly all kinds of new people got involved! This taught me that board renewal is essential to encourage people to see an organization as open to them.
5. Which issues are most important to you?
Involving people in decisions that will affect them is critical for me. There is a view that people don’t want to know about plans and reports, but I think they are not presented in a clear and understandable way. Council should strengthen planning and follow through better.
Caring for the needs and interests of all citizens is one of my concerns. I feel the loss of the community bus service is hurting a segment of our population who find it difficult to speak out.
There has been a resistance in Council to invest in added staff to make programs happen, but there has been major progress in recreation and horticulture since staff were hired. Pursuing economic development with good marketing is a big task that takes continuity and specific skills.
6. How would you address them?
Create open government policies. Involve and inform citizens. Take care to understand our population, and what are their different needs. Improve the community’s appearance and summer activities for tourists. Actively market the benefits of living and doing business here in specific, targeted ways - hiring staff as needed. Celebrate the community in 2017. Term limits for all on Council?
Marg Durnin