With pamphlets, supplement material and suggested questions for residents, Lora Peterson meant business at the Irricana Town Forum held on Oct. 10.
The 40-year resident of the town, said she believes council needs some fresh eyes when it comes to town matters.
The founder of the Irricana Community Association said she believes there needs to be strong communication between council and residents, and the cost of residential taxes needs to decrease.
“Keeping taxes affordable,” she said was her major platform issue. “We need to look at what’s important to spend our money on.”
In addition to a fiscally responsible council and budget, Peterson wants to address infrastructure within the town limits.
“Keeping and maintaining the streets in good condition and the back alleys (as well)(are important to me),” she said of the infrastructure in question.
Advertising the town’s attributes to surrounding communities is also an important issue for Peterson.
“We are close to CrossIron Mills and Balzac,” she said. “(We’re) 20 minutes from Airdrie, 45 minutes from Calgary, 45 minutes from Drumheller, 25 minutes from Strathmore, there’s no traffic, it’s the ideal commute.”
As for the longevity of the town, Peterson believes that “if (we) get the right people (on council) people with business experience,” it can move forward.
Attracting business developers and looking at the potential for an industrial area within the town are a few of the possibilities Peterson said could help generate business in the town.
“I don’t think it will take away from (the small-town feel) of Irricana,” she explained. “Beiseker has a substantial industrial area and they are fine.”
As for the learning curve that comes with a seat on council, Peterson explained that her past experience with Municipal Government Act will help her if elected.
“I just got a new job as a corporate securities officer,” she said. “I never stop learning.”
Irricana residents can vote on Oct. 21 at the Irricana Community Hall from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
