As a final profile of Cochrane’s municipal council and mayoral candidates, the Eagle asked each three questions: 1) What is the single most vital asset you possess that would make you a success as mayor or councillor? 2) Four years from now (October 2017), when your first term is complete, if you spoke to a tourist who came here with their family for the weekend, what would you hope they would say about their time in Cochrane? and 3) What is your fondest memory during your life in Cochrane...where were you, what were you doing and why does that moment stand out in your mind?
Here are their answers in their own words:
Leadership - the ability to inspire others to contribute their best when working towards a common goal
This town just oozes with pride and is such a beautiful community. Everyone is so friendly, it's so easy to get around, there are so many wonderful things to do with the whole family, and everyone we talked to loves their town. There are rumors that the company I work for is considering moving to Cochrane; we sure hope so as our family would love to move here. We'll be back.
Moving here from a city in 1998 and not knowing anyone. Our neighbors welcomed us with coffee and food as the truck was emptying our furniture; they had us over for a BBQ the next day. For me, this defined the community we had moved to. This wonderful "small town feel" has continued for 15 years, not just with our wonderful neighborhood but also with many other aspects of our town. Regardless of our size, it is up to each of us to work at retaining the friendly, caring attitude that makes Cochrane so great.; an attitude that can't be government-regulated or directed by anyone other than ourselves. Continue to be involved in the community and your neighborhood, share your opinion and your thoughts about your vision for Cochrane, help where help is needed.
I am the best candidate for Mayor for several reasons. I have lived in Cochrane for 34 years and have over 30 years of business management and small business ownership experience, many of those years right here in Cochrane. I also offer you 6 years experience as a current town councillor. You can count on me to be real, fair and accountable.
I want to hear People say, “We are coming back next weekend to explore Cochrane more, we had such a great time. There are so many events and amenities that your town offers, we are considering making a move and Cochrane is now at the top of our list.”
After 34 years in Cochrane I have many. Top of my list would be in July of this year I turned 50. All my family and friends came to my house to celebrate. In front of everyone I proposed to Tracy Smyth. Creating moments with family and friends is what life is all about!
I will bring a strategic business approach to leading the Council to think proactively and revisit and reprioritize the 10 year financial plan now rather than wait until the imminent provincial funding cuts hit. That business approach ensures that projects are scalable and affordable. I am a businessman with a social conscience. It is essential to collaborate and build relationships.
Four years from now, I hope they would say that they loved their stay in Cochrane. That they found it easy to get around in Cochrane and that people were very friendly and proud of their town. They would also say that they were thinking that they wish they could move their business and family to Cochrane.
One of my fondest memories of Cochrane is how everyone rallied around the Okado family when their son Taro, was diagnosed with leukemia. Not only did the Okado's receive a huge amount of support from Cochrane, they established the Taro foundation that in turn gave back to the community. Cochrane showed it has heart and it was amazing to be part of it all!
I am creative and often find innovative solutions and perspectives on things. I have traveled to many parts of the world and observed different methods of doing things. I think this would be useful on council.
I currently work in the tourism industry. There are many authentic cultural activities here in Cochrane. I would hope that a tourist would have a chance to experience some true Cochrane culture like the rodeo grounds, or one of the many activities that fill our weekend schedule during the summer, such as Footstock, Heritage Days, Canada Day activities, Christmas Light Up and many others.
Last summer, a cousin from Cochrane was married at the RancheHouse. My Father and Aunt from Ontario were invited here for the wedding. This branch of my family are rarely together, and it was great that everyone could meet each other, and share a great experience in Cochrane, at a unique setting, with the views of the Rocky Mountains in the background. Cochrane people should never take for granted the incredible natural beauty of this region.
I would say that listening and "Getting the Job Done" would sum it up. There are obvious issues that have simple solutions to improve our quality of life here in Cochrane.
I would hope that they would have thoroughly enjoyed all of the amenities that we offer and could not wait to come back. The friendly people and natural beauty are the reasons I decided to move to Cochrane 15 years ago.
Waking up the first morning and going for a bike ride in the river valley taking in the serenity and natural beauty. I get to re-live this memory on a regular basis in this beautiful town of Cochrane. This is my home.
I am a Cochranite! I believe it is HOW I am going to be a good Councilor that’s important:
H – Honesty,
O – Openness,
W – Willingness.
I will strive for win-win outcomes at every opportunity and will ensure Council works towards doing the Right Things the Right Way at the Right Time.
What I would hope to hear is that they will be back and they will bring their friends. I hope to hear them say that the residents of Cochrane are some of the most polite, helpful, and accommodating people they have ever met. I want to hear them exclaim that the services and amenities in Cochrane met their needs and wants and exceeded their expectations. I hope they tell me that it was a weekend they won't ever forget!
The drive down the Big Hill still gives me chills and puts a smile on my face when I see the town nestled into the valley and the mountains in the distance. Not many people get to say that their kids attend the same school they did, but I do! There is not one defining moment that stands out for me but rather a lifetime of little memories that have left one big impression on me. So, thanks to my Mom and Dad for moving here in 1979. I can’t imagine a better place to have been raised and to raise my family.
I have served four terms as a councillor over the twenty-seven years that I have lived in Cochrane. Going forward at this critical point in Cochrane’s growth, knowledge and experience will be a valuable asset.
I would like them to say that Cochrane must have had an insightful council. In reality they will most likely say what they are saying now, but with a bigger smile: “What a wonderful town.”
Dolina & I were married in Cochrane. We walked along the river pathway the morning before our wedding. That moment stands out for both of us. We still love walking Cochrane’s river valley.
My ability to listen, to hear both what is being said and what is not being said and to translate this information into action. This then allows me to advocate on peoples behalf in the most efficient way possible.
I would hope that they would say that they loved the new shopping experiences in the ‘quarry’ and in the newly updated area running all along 1st street where I hope to be a part of assisting this historic center with an updated tourist center/additional green space/new public washrooms/updated parking etc.
That would have to be when I returned home with my twin baby girls. My girls were premature and my wife had complications at birth so both the girls spent additional time in the hospital. When I was able to take both of the girls home together for the first time, with one girl in each arm, I stopped my wife before entering our house, gave her a kiss, told her I loved her and stepped through our front door into a new life as a parent.
The single most vital asset I possess to make me a success as a councillor is: experience. Experience in running a local business, working a second job at times, paying a mortgage, paying taxes, raising 3 children in Cochrane, listening to people, advocating for our Community, promoting Cochrane to visitors, newcomers and friends.
Four years from now if I spoke to a family who'd been visiting here for the weekend, the first thing I hope they say is "We cannot wait to come back! Your town is friendly, active, involved and everyone we met seems genuinely happy to live here. We have actually been talking about relocating here. Tell us more!"
One of my fondest memories in Cochrane is attending Light Up when I was on Council in 2004 - 2007. My kids were still young then and we were roasting hot dogs with so many people who live and visit here. The songs, the lights downtown, the families out sharing the experience just makes me feel part of the community. People visiting who haven't caught up with each other since the Labour Day parade makes our growing town still feel small and intimate. We may not agree on everything but we generally like each other and our community.
My priority is to be an advocate for our residents. I will take the time to understand the true concern, will bring those concerns forward and will always follow up so you know what transpired.
“Cochrane is a gem and such a vibrant community! There were so many community events to choose from and activities for us all to enjoy! The kids loved biking on the paths throughout the town and we enjoyed the unique restaurants and shopping. We are really impressed at how easy and safe it is to get around. We are definitely coming back!”
During the 2005 floods, I was 8 months pregnant and my husband was out of town. As I watched the Jumping Pound Creek continue to rise from my window with my 2 year old, I could also see the many volunteers sandbagging along the banks. The community spirit inspired me, made us feel safe and cared for - in that moment I knew we chose the right place to raise our family.
Fighting for a better world, through politics, is my dream. In addition to my Economics degree, I have been studying politics for many years outside of school. Having interned as a junior policy advisor to the Federal Minister of Public Safety, my greatest asset is my proven capability to apply my passion and knowledge, to make impactful and informed decisions.
“Y’know… I could see my family moving here one day.”
Coming home from the airport after travelling in Brazil for a year, I remember cresting over the Cochrane hill and being blown away, by the beauty of the green Bow Valley rolling on into the Rockies. It was the sort of perfect small town that most people only see in movies. In the moment that I saw my entire family and dozens of friends waiting for me, I realized that Cochrane is truly my home.
Having lived and been actively involved in our community for 14 plus years, in many capacities, I believe my experience and commitment to serving this community will be a vital asset as a Councillor. Along with working in Cochrane as a self-employed contractor, I have held volunteer positions with the Cochrane Settlement Community Association and served as a director and President of the Cochrane Chamber of Commerce. I’ve served two terms on the Cochrane Planning Commission, and a term on the Cochrane Subdivision and Development Appeal Board. I am presently President of the Cochrane and Area Victim Services Society.
“This is a great town - with a variety of shopping and restaurant experiences. This town has spectacular mountain views, a river valley, interesting neighbourhoods and friendly residents! We’re impressed with the choice of recreation facilities, the RV and camping in town and the ease and accessibility in getting around town. I think we should move here!”
One Monday evening in early spring 1999 Liz and I were walking in the east end while looking after my sister’s two girls for a couple of days when we spotted an ‘interesting looking house’ for sale. Three months later we had bought the house, got married and moved to Cochrane. It felt like the right thing to do and our lives have been immensely enriched by living in Cochrane and being involved in this great community.
I am a good listener. I love talking to people and finding out their incites. I enjoy learning about the people in our community and listening to their views and ideas. Many people in this town have fantastic ideas, and I would like to hear them. My goal is to be a good representative for Cochrane.
Cochrane is a great town. Four years from now, I would hope that a tourist would see the beauty of our friendly community. I hope they would experience the unique western feel of downtown, taste the ice cream from MacKay's, walk through the inspiring Cochrane Ranche historic site, enjoy our festivals, concerts, parades, and rodeo events, and admire our beautiful mountain view. Cochrane is truly an amazing town! I want Cochrane to continue to be awe-inspiring.
I've lived in Cochrane my whole life and I've had so many great memories here, but the moment that stands out the most is when I graduated from St. Timothy High School. I realized that I was entering a new chapter in my life, and instead of moving to the city [Calgary] I decided to stay here. This is home.
Communication Skills. We have a very well read and intelligent community and their opinions and feedback help me make the important decisions.
I would like them to say that the warmth, charm, and diversity of the community will definitely bring them back.
I have such a diverse collection of memories choosing one as an individual standout is impossible. Family values, stunning landscapes, and our connection as a community all lend themselves to create lasting impressions.
Experience. After 6 years on council and employment in municipal administration and communications, I know what steps need to be taken to keep Cochrane a family friendly and affordable community while finding ways to "do government" better by being leaders in community engagement.
I would want visitors to say that they enjoyed their time here so much that they want to move here. I would want them to say how much they enjoyed our unique down town, our recreation facilities, our friendly people, and how fortunate we are to have the Trans Canada Trail connecting us to not only Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park but to the rest of the Trail.
The first time my daughter laughed. My husband and I had taken our dog down to the off leash park and the dog was playing in the river and she burst out with her first baby giggles.
An open mind, ability to communicate and ability to see the big picture while still picking out details including responsiveness to the larger community not just the smaller most manipulative sub groups.
It seems very livable and connected to the outdoors.
Today with the crisp air, blue skies and autumn colours down by the river and up on the big hill. Everyday I'm outside in the elements enjoying our natural beauty and environment is my fondest day.
The Eagle has profiled each of the candidates in depth over the past months as each have announced their candidacy.
See page 8 for further opportunities to meet each of Cochrane’s mayoral and council candidates before municipal election day, Oct. 21.
For information on voting locations (three in total: Cochrane RancheHouse, Frank Will Memorial Hall and Bow Valley Baptist Church) and procedures, visit the Town of Cochrane website (cochrane.ca) under ‘legislative services.’
Six councillors and one mayor make up Cochrane’s council.
