She may have only lived in Irricana for six years, but Laura Thiessen has some big ideas for the town of 1,100.
The mother of three, believes she can ignite the spark of change that is needed to move Irricana forward.
“I think some change is needed,” she explained from her table at the Irricana Town forum held at the community hall on Oct.10. “Not a 180 degree turn, but there is a complete lack of creativity with where council spends its money.”
Thiessen explained that solar panels could be used with the left over MSI funding from the Centennial building to help cut the cost of electricity in the future as one example of diversified spending.
“I mean it would cost a little bit in the beginning, but think of the long- term benefits it would create,” she said.
Another passion for the 37 year old is speeding within the town’s boundary limits in particular around schools and playground, where she said that problem is rampant.
“I’ve gone to council meetings many times about the issue of speeding within the town,” she said, adding that she believes a Peace Officer should be active within the town limits – with the power to give tickets to speeding offenders.
Thiessen’s volunteer record includes the roles of registrar for the Beiseker Minor Hockey Association for the past four years, equipment director and treasure for IKBK Baseball, Bookkeeper for Kathyrn ECS Society, Irricana Theatre Society as an actress, director and vice president, a member of the community services board and numerous board within the Calgary region.
As for what makes Irricana a place to call home, she said, “Its really the gateway to the county, it’s a great location (distance) to Calgary and Airdrie.”
Along with creative spending and speed enforcement, Thiessen would like to see more options for youth in the town, as her children enjoy using the skatepark in Beiseker over facilities in Irricana.
“The Beiseker skatepark is open all year round, and the one here is gets removed when the ice goes in (in the fall for hockey season),” she said. “How hard would it be to have a facility like that here in (Irricana)?”
As for why people should vote for her, she explains that it’s her common sense approach that she feels will be a benefit for the collective voice on council.
“I am outspoken, honest, a leader and I have creative ideas,” she explained. “I just want what’s best for the town, I have no personal agenda.”
Residents can vote on Oct. 21 at the Irricana Community Hall from 10 a.m to 8 p.m.
