Ladies and Gentlemen, the decision before the citizens of St. Albert on October 18, is truly a leadership question.  Leaders, lead and one can measure the success of their leadership by the results that flow from that leadership.

St. Albert has the option of choosing between four Mayoralty candidates.  While all four are likely very competent individuals, only one of the four candidates has the political track record that demonstrates their capability to lead St. Albert.

My ballot will have an “X” next to the name Cathy Heron. Why?

I have had the privilege of working with Cathy Heron for 11 years, 7 as a fellow councillor and 4 as a councillor supporting her as Mayor.  During this time, I have observed her work ethic as she tirelessly worked to promote St. Albert by her work as Mayor, leading our fair city, as our municipal representative to the Edmonton Metropolitan Region Board and Edmonton Global and as an elected leader to the Alberta Urban Municipality Association.  In each of these roles, Mayor Heron has led with strength, determination yet with diplomacy and grace.

It is also important to note the results of activities within our community which were achieved during her tenure as mayor.  Of note, the successful negotiation with Sturgeon County for an uncontested annexation of land for future growth of St. Albert.  Additionally, the successful negotiation with the province of Alberta for an agreement for the twinning of Ray Gibbon Drive. Again, Mayor Heron championed the process through which the Rohit lands were identified as the home for the future development of the northwest St. Albert recreation facility.  This site is to include the much-anticipated aquatic facility.

Finally, and perhaps most significantly, Mayor Heron led St. Albert through the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic in an environment of shifting and often ambiguous provincial leadership and direction on appropriate safety precautions.  This was and continues to be a difficult task given the complexity of all the issues that come to bear when community safety precautions come face to face with personal choice and freedoms.

It is this body of work that compels me to support her Mayoralty candidacy.

I cannot offer any stronger backing than to say, “Cathy has my vote!”