Former Crossfield mayor and current mayoral candidate Phil McCracken said he is serious about doing what is best for the town.
“A lot of people just aren’t happy with certain things,” he said. “I feel I have more to give to the town and the people.”
McCracken is a longtime Crossfield resident, having lived on an acreage for 13 years and then moving into town about 25 years ago.
He served as mayor from 2007 to 2010 and said he wants another chance at the seat. McCracken lost to current Mayor Nathan Anderson in the 2010 municipal election.
“I want what is in the best interest for the town and to make Crossfield a happier, friendly environment for people to live in.” McCracken said.
“I learned a lot during my first term and I’d like to give back to the people what I’ve learned.
McCracken said he’d like to see controlled growth in the town in order to keep the small-town atmosphere.
“I don’t want it to get too big too fast because that’s why a lot of people moved to Crossfield; for the small-town feel.”
He said he wants council to be transparent and accountable to the people and to, “take transparency to a higher level.”
While he wants to increase communication with residents, he also wants to keep taxes as low as possible but he warns council has to be realistic about it and work within their needs and budget.
McCracken said he is concerned for the young families in town who are struggling and feels that by keeping taxes low it will allow families more of a chance to thrive. He added when taxes get too high, it is the young families that suffer the most.
“We need somebody that can represent the town and is kind to the people who live here.”
He added, during his term he said he welcomed questions and concerns from residents and encouraged them to contact him or attend council meetings.
“I totally respect people for their comments; positive or negative,” McCracken said.
The former mayor said if elected, he will show the same level of dedication he did during his first term.
“In my first term, my dedication to being mayor was clear. I missed two meetings in three years and I returned every message or email I received.”
He said his time on council gave him the experience needed to work with the other councillors as a team to do what is best for the town.
“I want to be proud of the community I live in and be a part of it,” McCracken said.
