Suzanne Oel – Division 4

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Upcoming 2025 Municipal Election: will be held on Monday, October 20, 2025. For more information, please visit: www.foothillscountyab.ca/

Foothills County Division 4 Candidate for 2025 Municipal Election: I have enjoyed getting to know many of you while serving as Division 4 Councillor over the past years. We have worked together to find solutions to challenges and joined forces to make our community a great place to live. As noted earlier this year, I have submitted my nomination papers and am running as a candidate for Division 4. It would be an honour to continue as Division 4 Councillor, in partnership with you, bringing my passion and dedication to the many projects currently underway and the new ones that emerge. I will:

Continue fighting for our rural perspective to be included by all levels of government.
Be creative in the face of challenge and stand strong for fairness in decision- making with County matters, issues between neighbouring communities, and with inter-governmental dynamics.
Gain ground in the areas of interest to residents while being careful of any associated tax burden, keep taxes steady, the budget well-managed and strike a balance between service level and taxes.
Make informed planning decisions on developing our area, keeping in mind the cumulative effects of all our activities on the landscape, respecting resident input and direction given through our local plans.
Build relationships with neighbouring municipalities and other government to provide solutions that spend tax dollars efficiently and represent the interests of Foothills residents in these endeavors.
Collaborate on: tackling rural crime, coordinating emergency services, delivering effective 9-1-1 service, improving road safety, constructing prioritized road and infrastructure projects, sharing wildfire preparation strategies, and dealing with agricultural issues (including – livestock, bugs, disease, crops, environment, land, water, weather, weeds, hunting, wildlife and more).
Research the many new opportunities and promote dialogue including diverse perspectives.
Support business, including agriculture, tourism, energy, and inviting industrial development to our Highway 2A Industrial Corridor to increase services, diversify our tax base, create jobs and trade prospects.
Plan for the future, find ways to improve rural services, reduce red tape, streamline processes and build our community vision for recreation.
Join in with our local watershed management groups to develop water protection, share awareness about flood and drought preparedness, promote resilient development from lessons learned, and strategize sub-regional water and wastewater projects.
Help our community maintain its rural character, natural beauty, open spaces and enjoy the benefits of country living.
Preserve the scenic views along our Highways, promote our “Dark Sky Country” initiative and support areas for cherished cultural heritage activities, including our community associations and agricultural societies.
Assist residents in understanding our municipal services, departments, guidelines, plans, budget, taxes, jurisdiction and navigating our processes.
Provide information on municipal resources and practices to help residents with their proposed projects and guide impacted neighbours when they wish to participate in the public processes regarding development that affects them.
Communicate with residents through writing a monthly article for the High Country News, sending email updates and posting news through Facebook and other media.
Stay connected with residents by hosting public meetings on relevant topics and by volunteering in the community and with our local rural crime watch.
Represent residents effectively using experience gained through public service, business, and as a long-time rural landowner.
Make a positive contribution to the County by bringing skills to the table: being energetic, organized, a team-player, analytical, technology savvy, future- thinking, resourceful, collaborative, environmental-minded, and respectful in communication with other council members, staff, businesses and residents.
Welcome continued interaction on the topics which matter to you.

I sincerely thank you for considering support of my candidacy for Division 4. continue working together with you to enhance and protect our beautiful home in the Foothills. with any questions or comments you may wish to share and discuss.

For Other News & Updates:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouncillorSuzanneOel/
Email: Suzanne.Oel@FoothillsCountyAB.ca

Visit High Country News online for my previous articles.

With Best Regards,
Suzanne

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