Crossfield council incumbent Jackie Jaquish is seeking another three-year term in this month’s election.
Jaquish completed her first term on council after volunteering to serve on council three years ago, and says that she thinks there is still some work to be done.
“I really enjoy Crossfield. I enjoy our neighbours. I have my family here. After 23 years it becomes a part of you,” said Jaquish. “I feel I still have a lot to contribute. I feel the town has a lot invested in me and I have invested a lot in them.”
In the three years she has served on Council Jaquish has seen numerous accomplishments, including a $4.6 million grant for the Rocky View Foundation, which is responsible for the Rocky View Lodge.
Jaquish currently sits on the Municipal Development Board, the Nose Creek Association and the W.G. Murdoch Band Association. She also serves as the director of the Rocky View Lodge and the vice president of the Chamber of Commerce.
When she first started with Crossfield council, Jaquish had no political experience. She found it important to learn as much as she could during her three-year term.
Jaquish completed the Elected Officials Education program with the Alberta Urban Municipality Association (AUMA) in one year, a program that is supposed to take three.
“I had no political experience at the time, that’s why I felt I had to get that program,” she said. “I feel education is everything.”
The recent vote concerning the location of a proposed civic centre caused an uproar from many citizens from Crossfield, and Jaquish said she feels the same as many residents who spoke out against various locations.
“I do know we need a new Town office, but .... it should be right where it is right now. I am really strong on that,” she said.
“I want to see a council working with the community, not working against them.”
Jaquish says she looks forward to working with a new council, as well as continuing to work closely with the schools and various boards and associations in town.
“I don’t feel it will be challenging at all, I am ready to work with anybody,” said Jaquish.
“I think it will be a great three years. There are some great people running.”
