Creating more transparent government and chasing infrastructure deficits were important topics while Nathan Anderson was campaigning for the top seat in Crossfield.
One year later, Anderson is happy with the direction the town is headed.
“I had some people who were concerned about the lack of transparency with previous councils,” said Anderson. “You can’t go anywhere until you build trust. I think that was a big unknown when we got in. I feel that it’s taken the better part of a year to accomplish that. The No. 1 challenge was doing that.”
Anderson said this has been evident with the turnouts at various open houses and community information sessions.
The first open house after the election saw about 300 people attend.
Additionally, Anderson says the open lines of communication between the public and all the councillors is a good way to remain transparent with residents, as all councillors and staff numbers are listed on the Crossfield Town website.
“It’s important that we pass that public test,” said Anderson.
“My cell phone number is on the website, and I have made a strong effort personally to keep my blog current.”
The other big challenge the new council faced, was a large infrastructure deficit created by years of failing to update roads and water and sewer lines, among other things.
Currently, the Town is moving on a number of issues regarding infrastructure in Crossfield, including new lift stations and a new lagoon, but Anderson admits there could be up to 10 years of catching up to do.
“The infrastructure deficit is significant, but it’s in every town,” Anderson said.
“You can’t just erase 30 years of not updating infrastructure. I would think we could tackle about 33 per cent of that deficit in the next three years.”
That optimism for the future stems from a three-year plan council is expecting to roll out in the coming months, which will address some of the Town’s shortfalls and lay out a plan for the future.
Anderson said that in the past few months Town council has ‘gelled’, and that despite being the person with the mayor title, a ton of work is done by his fellow councillors and administration.
“We have come to a place where we are all aligned (as a council). The thing they have in common with me is doing the best for Crossfield,” said Anderson.
“We come to meetings feeling good about each other, and feeling good about where we are going. They have made me a more understanding and empathetic leader.”
Having not spent any time in politics prior to being elected last October, Anderson said administration has allowed him and council to make mistakes, but have also taught him the technical side of running the Town in his first year.
“Administration has done a great job being patient with all of us. They allow us to stumble and make a few mistakes, but that allows us to grow,” said Anderson. “They have also taught me a lot of the technical side of things. It takes awhile to get up to speed on the things you can and can’t do.”
Creating a place for those not interested in ‘big city’ life is a goal for Anderson. “I look forward to Crossfield being the envy of the Calgary region. I would like to see it as a place where people are lined up to come and live,” said Anderson.
