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Carstairs councillors outline early plans

Continuing positive trajectory, staying on course with financials, maintaining growth properly all priorities for Carstairs
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CARSTAIRS - The newly elected Town of Carstairs councillors have outlined some of their respective top priorities going into the new term starting this week.

Councillors elected on Oct. 18 are incumbent Dean Allan, incumbent Shannon Wilcox, incumbent Marty Ratz, Jerry Roberts, Sheldon Ball, and Angie Fricke. Mayor Lance Colby was acclaimed.

Second-term councillor Wilcox said one of her priorities is to “continue along the positive trajectory that Carstairs is on and has been on. Our infrastructure is solid, development is steady and I think it’s time we take a look at our recreation and services. As we recover from the last 19 months it will also be about supporting our business and our residents to emerge healthy and whole.”

Fourth-term councillor Allan said, “The town is growing so the main thing is to maintain our growth properly, maintain our infrastructure, and keep our debt as low as we can. And the budget talks are starting right away.”

Third-term councillor Ratz said, “I think we need to stay the course on the financials and keep our budgets in line and manage them effectively. It is important and I don’t see any reason why we can’t continue that. A new seniors facility is also an important piece for our town, and recreational opportunities for our youth.”

Mayor Colby says there are number of important projects and plans ahead for the town.

“Our challenge will be making sure that we have the infrastructure there that can meet the growth that is going to come to Carstairs,” he said. “In the long-term it’s a matter of finishing off road paving in our town and our sidewalks and making sure infrastructure is up to par everywhere in town.”

First-term councillor Roberts said, “I want to learn more about what is going on in council and make my decisions from there. One of the things that I am interested in is understanding the financial situation. I know that the town is in very good shape, but I want to understand that.”

First-term councillor Fricke said, “I garnered a bit of feedback when I was door-knocking and one of they things they had mentioned was COVID support in the community in terms of programming. I’d like to see how we can support the residents. That would be my main thing starting off.”

Fifth-term councillor Ball said a priority for him is to see the town "continue with effective fiscal management" during the next term. Ball served 12 years on Carstairs council before becoming a school board trustee and now a councillor again.

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