Friday, July 4, 2014

Notes From The Mayor's Desk: July 2014

It is Canada Day as I write this and I am both grateful and proud today to be able to live where I do, surrounded by so many opportunities, blessings and great people.  We have just "weathered" another June with a typical spring run off.  We had rain for the 35th Anniversary of the Sundre Pro Rodeo Parade but the spirit of everyone in attendance was not dampened.  
The community came together to celebrate Grad 2014 at Sundre High School.  The graduates received unconditional support and encouragement to go do their part to make the world a better place for their future and that of generations to come.  June is such a great month as we get out from under the long winter - finally - and spend time in the outdoors.  It is why we live here.
In June, the teacher in me feels there should be a report card for Council - but I think it would be better if the report card came in the fall - as the election was last fall. Council wants to know how we have been doing. What has changed in the year since last fall?  What needs to change in the next year?
There were some recurring themes and concerns of residents that I heard in the lead up to the election.  There were concerns about taxes, communication, fear of flood in coming years and what could be done to avert it, resolution of cost sharing for water and waste water on the east side, the relationship between Town Council and Mountain View County Council, annexation possibilities on our Town boundaries, the attitude of Council and staff toward "service" to our customers (taxpayers), and how we deal with concerns from the public.  There were some suggestions as to what we might do to improve as well.
To get information for our report card, Council members will be out "where people are" this fall. Watch for us at community and school events.  Stop and let us know your thoughts and ask questions.  We will be asking you to tell us one thing you like, and one thing we need to do better - and we will ask for your grade (an old school grade of A,B,C,D,F).  We will compile a list and report to you about what we find.  We will use your suggestions and your thoughts about what we need to fix to develop our plans for the next year in our Strategic Planning process.
We hope you will take some time to let us know how we are doing and give us some ideas.  Please call me at home at 403-638-3535 if you want to chat about any of the above.
If you are able to take a holiday break in July, on behalf of your Council, I wish you a safe and relaxing holiday.  You deserve it.


Mayor Terry Leslie

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