Election 2025: Candidate Q&A - the fall municipal election is coming fast. This series lets candidates speak directly to you about their vision for Brooks. To keep things fair and simple, we’re asking all 12 council and 2 Mayoral candidates the same three questions—designed to show how they think about Brooks’ future, how they handle tough choices, and how they work with others.

If the City of Brooks received a $1 million grant . . . I am passionate about city pride, which I feel is lacking. I believe it starts with our youth. Specifically, I would like to see a regulation football field and a proper soccer pitch, something Brooks does not currently have and which has limited our ability to host out-of-town teams. With the new Junior High School being built, there may be an opportunity to partner with the Grasslands School Board. I’ve also heard that Brooks has lost economic opportunities due to outdated infrastructure. If a million dollars could be used to attract a major employer and create jobs, that would also be worth consideration.

Council often has to choose between competing priorities . . . For me, economic development would weigh heavily because a strong economy creates jobs, services, and a larger tax base to support social spending. I would also consider how decisions affect community pride and cohesion. Brooks has always been a place where many people come and go, and we need to focus on ways to retain the people who strengthen our community. While economic growth can help with pride, it doesn’t always guarantee it.

Tell us about a time when you had to work with people who disagreed with you . . . This happens often in my roles on youth sports boards and as part of an ownership group of companies. I am passionate and stubborn, and if I feel strongly about something, it takes solid arguments to change my mind. Over the years, I have learned to soften my stance, as finding common ground is usually more effective than going it alone.

If the City of Brooks received a $1 million grant . . . Not on more splash parks — that’s prioritizing wants over needs. Before deciding, I would look at debt, upcoming loan repayments, and whether any equipment or buildings require replacement. Assuming no major repairs are needed, I would use the funds to offset an expected tax increase in 2026, giving residents a year of breathing room. The balance should be saved, with the wastewater treatment facility in mind.

Council often has to choose between competing priorities . . . Simple: is it a need or a want? Citizens already say taxes are high for the services they get. Needs come first—things like water, sewer, emergency services, and core infrastructure. Wants can be considered when they are affordable without raising taxes, and when they benefit the community as a whole, not just a few. My commitment is to prioritize needs over wants.

Tell us about a time when you had to work with people who disagreed with you . . . I ran my own business for years, making all the decisions. In 2011, I started a business with my son. He often challenges my decisions, and at times, it is difficult to give up control. But I trust him, and we share the same goal of success. We discuss ideas, weigh pros and cons, and support each other. That common goal is our common ground. I believe council works the same way. Working alongside like minded, committed, goal oriented individuals will make it seem like a quick four years of success.

Alberta’s first waste-to-energy facility - The Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority has signed agreements to build Alberta’s first waste-to-energy facility at the Newell Regional Landfill. The $80 million project will convert waste into diesel, hydrogen, electricity, and biochar, diverting about 16,500 tonnes of waste each year and creating up to 45 jobs by 2027, pending approvals. The facility will run nearly year-round using waste material from the Newell Regional Landfill and other southern Alberta sites. Tipping fees, which were expected to rise in 2026, should see only modest increases, keeping them below provincial averages. Designed as a teaching and research site, the plant could also explore mining older landfill cells for usable material. The Southern Alberta Energy from Waste Association (SAEWA) worked for 14 years laying the groundwork. Stay informed at www.nrl.ca.

If the City of Brooks received a $1 million grant . . . I would build a two-storey Multi-Purpose Hall. The first floor would have a small mini-mall with a clothing or housewares store and a mini food court with fast food options. The second floor would be a flexible space that could be used for weddings, birthdays, baptisms, and other community gatherings. Right now, people often travel to Cassils Hall or Duchess Hall, which is not ideal in the winter. Monthly rentals would help keep the project sustainable while keeping fees affordable since the start-up money would come from a grant.

Council often has to choose between competing priorities . . . Competing priorities are expected, but we need to focus on what requires an immediate response. That means sorting issues by urgency and importance, and dealing with the most critical needs first.

Tell us about a time when you had to work with people who disagreed with you . . . For me, leadership is not about pushing personal preferences. It is about supporting the best ideas chosen by the majority. Once a decision is made, even if it isn’t my own idea, I will give it my full support to make sure it succeeds.

If the City of Brooks received a $1 million grant . . . I would probably develop something for our later-aged teens and young adults to do. Please note I have not researched the costs of these ideas, but since this is more of a wish list question, I would look at options like a drive-in for shows, which is cheaper to run than a movie theatre. I would also consider activities like art classes, photography, or cooking—similar to the evening programs we used to have at the college.

Council often has to choose between competing priorities . . . Our priority has to be infrastructure. We cannot build more homes or be attractive to new businesses and industry without the modernization of our water treatment and sewage.

Tell us about a time when you had to work with people who disagreed with you . . . I work in the oil and gas industry in a safety position. Frequently, I have to work with people who disagree with me or have a different point of view. What I’ve found is that the root of all disagreements is that everyone ultimately wants the same thing—that’s the common ground—but each person has a different perspective. You need to listen to all perspectives and find a solution that works best. A person’s life experiences, background, and knowledge are all valuable.

Brooks Municipal Election Forum - October 1st, 5:00 - 9:00 pm at Griffin Park Theatre. The Forum will include candidate introductions, a moderated Q&A & debate, along with concluding remarks. Hosted By the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - Sep. 30 is a day to reflect, learn, and honour Survivors and the children lost to residential schools.

Thank you for sharing LarkSPUR NEWS and spurring others on!
😁👍