If you asked him a few months ago whether he would be putting his name in the ring for Rocky View County council, Mark Kamachi of Bragg Creek would have said “are you out of your freaking mind?” with a chuckle.
But the 56-year-old father of two and marketing guru has always had a passion for community engagement. He believes that vying for the Division 1 candidacy might just be the most effective way to give back to the community he has called home for 15 years.
“I have always volunteered and gotten involved because I feel it’s important to give back,” said Kamachi in a recent press release.
“Should I be successful in my campaign, I will do what I have always done – roll up my sleeves, get involved and advocate for the people of this division.”
Kamachi decided to throw his name into the hat and be the first potential candidate to officially make his intentions public. Div. 1 Coun. Liz Breakey announced she would not be running again.
With the help of campaign manager Dave Rupert, Kamachi is looking forward to community outreach over the coming months leading up to the Sept. 18 nomination day and Oct. 16 election.
The owner of AdMaki Creative marketing firm is all about bringing business back to Bragg Creek and wants to build the hamlet up as the hottest artisan destination in the west.
“We’re a community shrinking in size … my definition of development: I would love to see our artisans be able to afford rents downtown,” said Kamachi, whose on a mission to “foster economic growth” in the Creek.
Joining fellow Creekers in their opposition to the Springbank dry dam, with a preference for the McLean Creek dam or “other possibilities” to the flood mitigation proposal, Kamachi watched the devastation of downtown Bragg Creek and nearby Redwood Meadows during the 2013 flood.
AdMaki worked with the Bragg Creek Chamber of Commerce (of which he is now vice-president) to get the message out that Bragg is open for business post-flood, but Kamachi watched the tourist draw lose steam quickly when weekend visitors quickly realized that only a fraction of businesses had re-opened following the aftermath of what has been dubbed the 100-year event.
Kamachi said those who regard development with speculation need to quell any unnecessary fears and realize that striking a balance is key to making sure those who live in Bragg Creek have some opportunity to work and shop in their own backyards. He emphasized that the hamlet is too close to rapidly-developing Cochrane and Calgary to worry about large-scale development.
A resume that includes charity work for such organizations as Easter Seals Camp Horizon, The Greater Bragg Creek Trails Association and Redwood Meadows Emergency Services, the brand man is also a member of five-piece band Skuzzy and the Woodticks on harmonica and vocals.
