Bearspaw resident Roc Spence is vying for a spot on council in Rocky View County’s (RVC) upcoming municipal election this fall and said if elected, he hopes to cultivate a unified RVC voice among the greater metropolitan area.
Spence will be contending for a position as councillor for the newly defined Division 4 – an area encompassing the communities of Bearspaw, Bottrel and Madden. He was the only candidate registered for that riding, as of press time.
He said he believes the right balance of experience and knowledge can go a long way toward achieving RVC’s mission of ensuring equity among councillors from all seven new divisions in Rocky View County.
“I think it’s very important that the County and the councillors and the residents all work together,” he said. “[It’s important] that we have a unified voice, that we’re all aligned on the future vision of Rocky View and that we make Rocky View County the best place to live in all of Alberta.
“So we need to build bridges within our council – we have to represent the residents’ interests foremost.”
Although he has never run for public office before, Spence said his upbringing on a family ranch southwest of Calgary gave him an appreciation and respect for the land and a strong work ethic. His time building and managing global manufacturing/distribution networks in the life science and chemical manufacturing industries also helped him foster a good business sense, he said.
In addition to his work experience, Spence has also held various community service and support positions over the years, such as serving on the board of directors for the Calgary Stampede, the Rocky View County Subdivision & Development Appeal Board and the board for Lake Louise World Cup Alpine Ski Races.
“I feel very compelled to try to help the County as we deal with and contend with some of the significant challenges the County of Rocky View will face in the coming years,” Spence said. “I believe my experience, my background, and my community service has positioned me to be able to help Rocky View and its residents deal with some of the future challenges.”
The Division 4 contender said that while RVC council has done some good work in the past, the group has been too divided this term to accomplish much for the community. He added the council has been “non-functional,” adding he feels he can help bridge gaps and bring people together, if elected.
“I can work to build unity and vision for the residents and work with the council and administration to deliver what’s best for the County,” he said. “It’s the most important thing that we think about our residents and how we can all work together to build the community.”
Spence said some of his top concerns if elected will be opposing large-scale, high-intensity industrial operations, such as gravel pits, in residential or environmentally sensitive areas, as well as reducing rural crime, and developing additional recreational facilities in the district.
He added building a strong collective voice among council will be key in getting issues to be heard by the greater metropolitan area.
“I really want to ensure that the residents of Rocky View, particularly Division 4, have strong choice in the upcoming election and they can look and measure each person’s credentials, community service, and experience to choose the best one to represent the county,” he said.
For more information on Spence and his platform, visit spence4council.com
The 2021 municipal election is slated for Oct. 18.
Carmen Cundy, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @carmenrcundy
