Town Mayor Brian Schulz has an unshakable optimism as 2012 approaches, founded on what he terms Barrhead’s greatest asset – its people.
“I am really proud to be mayor,” he said. “Barrhead is a Christian town where its people are all about helping each other. It is the most giving of places.”
Schulz says this spirit, combined with a quality of service, makes him believe in a strong future for Barrhead, despite such challenges as building a new police headquarters and a swimming pool.
From businesses to the RCMP, from the fire department to the ambulance services, from lawyers and accountants to doctors and dentists … the town was blessed with talent.
“We are very fortunate to have so many people of such ability in a community of our size,” he said.
Schulz also hailed Barrhead Composite High School as a “school second to none” and source of huge community pride.
And he had words of praise for town council’s Chief Administration Officer Martin Taylor.
“He is a visionary man that sees Barrhead in the same way as I do – a safe and caring community, and also a community that people should want to move to,” he said.
Schulz said 2012 was going to be a year of change with the retirement of long-time Barrhead-Morinville-Westlock MLA Ken Kowalski.
It promised to be an interesting period – and he hoped people in Barrhead would exercise their democratic right to vote.
“If people in Barrhead want to make a difference all they have to do is get out and take the opportunity to pick who is going to be leading our constituency in the future,” he said. “I really hope people will vote.”
Does the mayor have a favoured candidate?
“I support the candidate that will put Barrhead first,” he said.
Schulz said there had been several staffing changes that had put capable people in positions to improve the town – one being a new Parks and Recreation foreman.
It was hoped that Barr-head would begin looking prettier next year, as parks become spruced up and more flowers planted.
More recreation programs for children were also planned, and another hope was for a new swimming pool, if the costs could be shared by the town and county councils.
“I am looking forward to a great summer with the recreation department,” said Schulz. “I am excited about potentially getting a new swimming pool.”
The new year would also see continuing improvements to the town’s infrastructure, with roads and sidewalks being replaced and maintained.
“Maybe this is not happening as much as I would like, but it is happening as much as I believe we can afford,” said Schulz.
In addition, new property developments were in the pipeline, including an expansion of the Co-op and possible condo constructions.
“People are getting more and more excited about the future and the positive direction that is being taken in terms of developments,” said Schulz.
The 2013 Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games – being hosted by Barrhead and Westlock – was another exciting opportunity for the town to showcase what it has to offer. A successful games would provide business and tourism spin-offs.
“We have people who will promote our community for new business to come into the town,” said Schulz.
“Barrhead is a strong, resilient town and its business people and other residents are good, honest decent people who believe in our community.” he said. “I look forward to a good year in 2012.”
