Athabasca town councillor George Hawryluk thinks he has what it takes to be mayor of the Town of Athabasca.
He has announced he will file his mayoral nomination papers for the October election.
“I have lived here for 22 years and have been on council for nine years,” he said. “I believe I have what it takes to be a successful leader of a newly elected team that is willing to challenge and address any and all municipal issues successfully, tactfully and with the satisfaction of all parties involved, regardless of how important or unimportant those issues may seem.”
Hawryluk wants to see his vision for Athabasca become a reality — a vision that is “based on honesty, integrity, transparency — to see this town grow and prosper, and to make it a beautiful place where everyone is willing to work, live and raise their families.”
“I will continue to ensure that the council remains transparent and accountable to the citizens of Athabasca,” he said.
Hawryluk supports sustainable community development.
“I would like to implement a sound and realistic sustainability long-range plan,” he said. “We can ensure the necessary infrastructure, and to me that is very important.”
He stated programs need to be in place to attract services and businesses to promote the growth of Athabasca.
“I think together with the representatives of Athabasca medical field (and) the provincial and federal government, we can work on the improvements to the Athabasca Hospital and the services it provides,” he said. “I think we can continue to find new, cost-effective solutions for replacing aged and creating new infrastructure.”
Along with Athabasca town council meetings, Hawryluk wants to see the Athabasca Regional Multiplex Society meetings and joint council meetings open to the public.
“I would like to create an opportunity for much greater public input on major issues such as the library, swimming pool, theatre, brick school, et cetera,” he said. “I would like to also utilize the groups in the community — such as the chamber of commerce, the ratepayers’ association — and have them on board to work collaboratively on making this town grow in a positive way.”
Hawryluk said he has the experience to be mayor.
“I have the knowledge, and I have been here for nine years as a councillor, and I think I have what it takes,” he said.
