Tanu Tyszka-Evans has announced he is running for a spot on the Town of Athabasca's council come the Oct. 21 municipal election.
"Quite simply, I believe that my generation needs to step up to the plate and take an active role in the world around them, " said Tyszka-Evans. "I grew up in this town, and now that I have been auditing council meetings, I know some of the issues that this community faces. Therefore, I would like to play a part in helping this town grow and prosper. "
Tyszka-Evans, son of current town councillor Paula Evans, said effective communication with residents, businesses in town and fellow councillors is a staple of his platform.
"I strongly believe that politicians are elected to be the voice of the people, " he said. "I would like to see an end to the 'exclusive club' mentality of council and see a return to open, honest communication. "
Tyszka-Evans thinks council needs to be proactive.
"I believe it's unfair to expect hard-working taxpayers to come to us. Council should be reaching out to the community, " he said. "Expanded use of digital media and a return to neighborhood open houses are just two of the ideas I would like to discuss with council to help achieve this goal. "
Tyszka-Evans would also like to see a long-term vision and strategic plan in place.
"Long-term goals and an understanding of priorities are two pillars of fiscal responsibility, " he said. "Combine these with open communication (and) accurate information, and the result will lead to a greater quality of life for the citizens of this town. Working together for the public good is a challenge I look forward to. "
Joanne Peckham has lived and worked in Athabasca for more than 20 years and raised her family in the area.
"I love politics, and I love being in involved in the process to create a better community for our citizens, " she said. "I have the time, and I have the energy required to do a proper job serving my community. "
She said she believes in a transparent government.
"I am a people person and will fight for the residents, " she said. "I want to make changes to many of the town's subcommittees, including the multiplex society, in sharing with our taxpayers what is actually going on behind closed doors. "
Peckham said she would work for the people.
"I really learned a lot from the last election and now realize the passion from our citizens, the importance in keeping our library downtown, and will not make that mistake again, " she said. "I strongly believe in development and would like to see more businesses other than huge corporations canvassed to join our community. "
She wants to see businesses that compliment the current businesses, not compete against them.
"I understand that a large majority of business owners in our community live in the county, and even though they pay taxes, they get no say or vote in town, " she said. "I support amalgamation. "
