Current Irricana councillor and deputy mayor Terry McAuley is running for re-election in this fall’s municipal race.
McAuley, 66, who has just completed his first term, will be up against seven other candidates in his bid to hold onto one of five seats on council.
“I am not done yet,” said McAuley, who has lived in Irricana for nine years. “I have ambitions.”
During his term, McAuley has been an active member, serving on several committees such as the Kneehill Water Commission, the Calgary Regional Partnership, the Rocky View Foundation and Public Works.
He has also been a consistent volunteer for the Irricana Lion’s Club.
“Volunteerism is something that doesn’t come naturally to everyone, but us that have the bug seem to be stuck with it,” said McAuley. “I have always been involved, I think it was values instilled in me by my own parents.”
According to McAuley, he has been the most accessible council member over the past term, regularly sharing both his home and cell phone numbers with residents. It is a practice he plans to continue if elected.
“I feel the electors should be able to reach me,” said McAuley, who worked as a project manager for telecommunications companies.
Although McAuley is proud of the progress made during the last term, such as getting the heritage building refit for council chambers, he says there is some unfinished business.
“My goal for the next term is to bring in more development,” said McAuley. “With the size of our community, we try to maintain the same level of service as is found in bigger centres (like Crossfield and Airdrie). It is very expensive, both more businesses and residents are needed to augment the tax base.”
McAuley is also hoping to improve the Irricana’s water service.
“We have ongoing issues with our water supply and the cost of it,” said McAuley. “I would like to improve the situation in the near future.”
Another key issue for McAuley is the need for a school in the town.
“There has to be a new or expanded school somewhere out here, and we would like it to be here,” said McAuley.
McAuley said he is a successful as a councillor because of his ability to work with a variety of people.
“I want to see it (Irricana) expand and see it become all it can be,” he said.
