In order to get to know the candidates a little better, we prepared the following three questions and e-mailed them to all the candidates:
- What skills and experience do you have that makes you the right fit for the role of mayor of Whitecourt?
- From your perspective, what are the key election issues in Whitecourt?
- What is your number one promise to the residents?
There are three people running for mayor in the Town of Whitecourt: Darlene Chartrand, Ray Hilts, and Tom Pickard. What follows are their answers.
Darlene Chartrand
What skills and experience do you have that makes you the right fit for the role of mayor of Whitecourt?
Excellent mediation and negotiation skills from 40 years as a Paralegal dealing with emotionally high conflict divorce files, 8 years past experience on Town Council, extensive experience on numerous Town Committees both internal and external, adjudicator for the Capital Region Assessment Services Commission with formal training in taxation, thousands of volunteer hours with various non-profit Organizations, good ole common sense and 64 years of life skills (ha ha).
From your perspective, what are the key election issues in Whitecourt?
Repairing the relationship between the Town and the County, the proposed multi use facility Performing Arts/Town Office/Library and Economic development.
What is your number one promise to the residents?
To continue to be the “People’s Voice” and strongly advocate for a public plebiscite on the proposed major project.
You can find out more about Darlene Chartrand at her Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/DarleneForWhitecourtMayor
Ray Hilts
What skills and experience do you have that makes you the right fit for the role of mayor of Whitecourt?
I am a 27+ year resident of Whitecourt, my wife Tracy and I are raising two sons in Whitecourt. I have spent most of my formative adult life here. I have been on Town council since 2017 and represent the Town on a number of key boards and committees such as;
- Lac Ste. Anne Foundation (who provide affordable living and care to seniors),
- Community Futures Yellowhead East (foster economic development through lending, business planning and training etc.).
- Town of Whitecourt Economic Development Committee and Tourism Committee.
My professional experience includes a 30+ year in forestry both working for industry and my own small business (for the last eight years). I have been responsible for developing and implementing large multimillion dollar budgets, supervising a large team of professional staff and ensuring efficient and timely delivery of services to internal and external stakeholders.
I believe my broad range of personal and professional experience helps me understand the needs of residents in all stages of life and how to support them through Town services and programs.
Most importantly, I believe I am a good listener. I am always interested in what our residents and businesses have to say about moving Whitecourt forward.
From your perspective, what are the key election issues in Whitecourt?
As part of my campaign preparation, I spoke to several residents and businesses to understand what they’d like the next four years to look like. I also offered an online survey to residents to understand their key issues. With this information I developed a Four Pillar Platform that included these key areas of focus:
Pillar 1
Building Up Partnerships and Relationships
- To re-build the relationship and partnerships of Woodlands County and Whitecourt.
- Work with Woodlands County to establish an integrated economic development strategy that is equitable, attracts investment and stability to our region.
Pillar 2
Economic Development
- Working through our Economic Development Committee, explore and implement economic diversification opportunities that move Whitecourt forward.
- Advance the Whitecourt tourism strategy to grow our community and region as a tourism destination.
- Partner with local business community to gauge and monitor business health and outcomes.
- Support a vote as to whether residents support the construction of the proposed Town Centre/Performing Arts Centre/Library. This vote would inform Council on how to proceed.
Pillar 3
Seniors Care and Housing
- Focused on reducing wait times for seniors wanting to access affordable housing and services.
- Focused on accessing capital funding for seniors’ facilities in Whitecourt.
Pillar 4
Community Social Services
- Lobbying the Alberta Government for the capital funding to replace or materially improve Whitecourt’s hospital and medical care.
- Working alongside community groups and Alberta Health Services, develop a wrap-around strategy to address the mental and physical needs of the homeless population.
What is your number one promise to the residents?
The only promise I can make to residents is that I will genuinely work hard for them over the next four years. I’m interested in what residents have to say about their town and what their needs are. I’ll demonstrate this through continual communication and open discussion with residents and businesses.
Find out more about Ray Hilts at his Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/rayhiltsmayor
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Tom Pickard
What skills and experience do you have that makes you the right fit for the role of mayor of Whitecourt?
I have proven leadership credentials, a history of public service and the education and experience required to succeed in the role of mayor. During the last 15 years, I have worked in Oilfield management positions, managing million-dollar budgets and projects. Prior to that, I was a Staff Sergeant in the RCMP, retiring as Detachment Commander here in Whitecourt. I have been President of Whitecourt Minor hockey, a hockey coach, baseball coach, Vice-President at our Legion, volunteer at Repeat Boutique, and a director with the local snowmobile club. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science, and currently sit on Discipline committees for Alberta Education and the Alberta Chartered Professional Accountants association. I can listen and formulate good decisions. My education, work-experience and dedication to community service makes me the right fit for the role of Mayor, and your support on October 18 would be sincerely appreciated to make that happen.
From your perspective, what are the key election issues in Whitecourt?
On October 18, the people of Whitecourt will determine the Mayor and Council team for our community to lead in the economic recovery from the devastating effects of COVID; lead in the economic recovery of our local oil and gas industry; and to manage us through the devastating impact of Provincial Austerity and the drastic impending reductions in funding for municipalities and the corresponding increase in downloading of Provincial responsibilities onto municipalities. In addition, for the next four years, experience tells us that other emerging issues will not get any easier. We need to elect a Mayor and Council who can work collaboratively with business and government partners to address these and other issues, and who will have the experience, discipline, and dedication to create an environment for all citizens to be successful. I am ready for the challenges that face our community.
What is your number one promise to the residents?
I will do my best, every day, to represent Whitecourt in a disciplined, respectful manner.
Find out more about Tom Pickard at his Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/tompickardwhitecourt.ca
