2025 Election Q&A – Foothills

LAURA KENDALL, Division 3

The grassroots reaction to the status quo within municipal affairs is a very exciting new development within many divisions in Foothills County. I have met so many people since I announced my candidacy who have been advocating for better governance, helpful disclosure and transparency. More importantly they have taken action to make it happen. The amount of research and work people have done to educate themselves and others is astounding and inspiring. As councillor I would be building on these initiatives to face the challenges necessary to reform our government.

RITA BERTWELL, Division 4

Over the years, residents have achieved significant milestones, including securing fiber-optics internet, reducing monthly water charges, organizing community events, initiating Firesmart projects, and enhancing the beauty of our community. As your Councillor, I would commit to providing on-going support to residents, volunteers, associations, groups, and small business owners. This support will be driven by assisting in strategic planning, accessing grants, and exploring other funding opportunities that align with goals that enhance the well-being of our residents. To ensure the work of volunteers is recognized and celebrated, I would also build upon supporting their continuous dedication, as they are a vital part of the success of our community.

SUZANNE OEL, Division 4

In Division 4, we can celebrate working well together on finding solutions to challenges: improving road safety, sharing wildfire preparation strategies through events/studies/FireSmart, tackling rural crime, coordinating emergency services, constructing prioritized road and infrastructure projects, and dealing with agricultural issues (including – live-stock, bugs, disease, crops, environment, land, water, weather, weeds, trees, hunting, wildlife). In support of our on-going collaboration, I will continue to research the many new opportunities and encourage dialogue including diverse perspectives. Joining in with our County and local initiatives, I will continue to promote watershed and agricultural land protection, flood and drought preparedness, dark sky awareness, resilient and thoughtful development from lessons learned, and strategize water and wastewater projects. I’ll work with residents to provide creative input to the County, plan for the future, find ways to improve rural services streamline processes, diversify our tax base, build our community vision for recreation, and more.

LAURA KENDALL, Division 3

The most common complaint I have heard while campaigning is the continual increase in property taxes. A budgetary analysis by a resident of Division 3 has confirmed substantial consistent increases in taxes and user fees. This research has also shown that Foothills County is over spending on roads and administration comparatively with other Counties. Are either of these practices helpful?

Traffic is the next concern I hear often. The roads less travelled, one reason we all live here, have now become thoroughfares for speeders, motorcycles and cyclists. This is more than an annoyance. It is a safety issue and is quickly eroding our rural existence. I hear that people want peace and solitude.

RITA BERTWELL, Division 4

• There is a lack of transparency
• Resident’s concerns are not being adequately addressed
• Change is needed 

The role and responsibility of council is to effectively address residents’ concerns in a timely manner. As your Councillor, I will create a welcoming environment where all voices are heard, and solutions will be explored and acted upon. I would ensure residents are aware of up-to-date information. I will approach issues head-on, focusing on finding practical common-sense solutions. Truth, transparency, and effective conversations are the key to restoring trust. As your representative, I will always be open and honest and act in the best interests of the residents, placing their needs and wants at the forefront of every decision.

SUZANNE OEL, Division 4

Top priorities for Division 4: Reduce taxes and plan carefully, best response to your emergency, speed up the building and permit approvals, and more. Over the years, I have organized numerous public meetings on priority topics and will continue relationships with Council, Administration, other agencies and residents in preparing strategies and plans. I continue to work on these addition concerns: respond and find solutions to resident inquires and concerns, assist residents with planning matters, EMS availability & response, police visibility & response, crime prevention, cyclist-community conflict, wildlife conflict, fire/wildfire/drought/flood emergency preparedness, road safety (speed, dangerous driving, cyclist-motorist conflict, high-collision intersections, dust…), continue to lobby for the Priddis Bridge improvement project, review of our Municipal Development Plan, consult with residents about the level of development and density they would like to see in Division 4 and the County, access to water services in West Foothills, community support, community recreation planning and projects, garbage services, water use, watershed protection/health, dealing with incompatible plans/developments causing land-use conflict, all agriculture matters, preserving agriculture land, cumulative effects of development, road surface maintenance, parking conflicts, dust control, preserving dark skies, air quality, maintaining our valued country lifestyle, and more. See my website for details.

LAURA KENDALL, Division 3

I would continue to participate in public hearings and follow council meetings. I would volunteer, organize events and facilitate awareness needed to protect our County. We have to ask ourselves how our actions are part of the problem and take steps to be accountable and community minded. Every development big or small impacts the environment and residents. Are we allowing urban values to dictate our decisions? Are we enabling rural values to thrive and prosper? We face big challenges and have to collectively find the answers.

RITA BERTWELL, Division 4

Regardless of the election outcome, I will continue to listen to residents to identify the root cause of issues and collaborate with others to accomplish effective solutions. My commitment to creating positive change is not tied to holding office; however, efforts would be far timelier if I were elected.

SUZANNE OEL, Division 4

In addition to my Councillor role, I have served our community over many years as a volunteer with numerous organizations. I am currently the volunteer president for the High Country Rural Crime Watch Association (HCRCWA), having contributed to the fight against crime for the past 15 years. With approximately 760 members strong, the HCRCWA is ready to assist the RCMP protect neighbours, properties and community. This collaboration between HCRCWA, the County, Provincial RCWA, and Diamond Valley RCMP detachment, is a benefit to Foothills County and Division 4 residents worth operating into the future. Also, during my time on Council and through my experience as Foothills Regional 9-1-1 Commission chairperson, Rural Fire Board chairperson, Policing Committee member, plus my roles with many other boards/committees, I believe I have acquired substantial insight to assist with staying involved on matters where a voice is needed and would contribute to topics affecting our area.

LAURA KENDALL, Division 3

As an agricultural producer I have the ability to address land use issues and protect agricultural values. Self employment creates fiscal awareness and I will apply this knowledge to address current over spending and trim budgetary excesses.At a recent council discussion on public engagement the Division 3 incumbent said she was tired of hearing people say the same things over and over again. I have a strong lengthy background of listening to people, understand that is the job of a councillor and would advocate for improving the current process and dismissive attitudes. I have always valued my reputation, any and all responsibilities given to me and would bring this character to the office of Foothills County.

RITA BERTWELL, Division 4

As a no-nonsense practical person, I’m committed to having open and honest conversations. I will listen closely to your perspective as communication is the key to building trust and respect. My focus will always be to achieve a win-win solution whenever possible. As an accountant and former volunteer treasurer, I take a proactive approach to ensure fiscal responsibility and logical spending. I will bring a set of skills that include meticulous attention to detail, adherence to ethical practices, and careful management of resources. I am committed to applying these principles to ensure decisions are made with integrity and in the best interest of the taxpayer.

SUZANNE OEL, Division 4

I will continue to make a positive contribution to Foothills County and Division 4 by bringing my skills and experience to the table: being energetic, organized, a team-player, analytical, technology savvy, future-thinking, resourceful, collaborative, environmental-minded, and respectful in communication. I will represent residents effectively using experience gained as a business owner, as a long-time rural landowner, and through years of public service work as Division 4 Councillor: in council meetings, as member and chairperson on numerous boards/committees, on current issues, plus on-going interaction with residents, community associations, businesses, school divisions, and provincial/federal departments. I can provide information on municipal resources and practices to help residents with their proposed projects and guide impacted neighbours with navigating the public processes. I have been involved as a community volunteer for many years, including experience on both federal and provincial (as president) constituency boards, many years as a 4-H Leader, 4-H On-Parade organizer, assisting community associations on-going, and am currently volunteer president of the High Country Rural Crime Watch Association (15 years so far). I am keenly interested in financial responsibility, emergency services, agriculture, energy, delivery of municipal services, innovations, and more. I will continue to communicate with residents through writing monthly articles in the High Country News, share updates through social media and stay connected by hosting public meetings on relevant topics. See more on my website.