BARRHEAD-Marvin Schatz likes talking to people and trying to solve their problems.
That is part of the reason why the two-term County of Barrhead councillor decided to enter municipal government eight years ago. It is also the reason why he is running for re-election for Division 2.
Division 2 goes from Township Road 590, commonly referred to as the Correction Line, going south and east following the Pembina River.
"All agriculture land," he said.
Schatz is a lifelong farmer, who came to the county from Onoway about 35 years ago, in his early 20s, buying a farm. Eventually, Schatz moved back to the family farm (his father now had a farm in the county), farming cereals and canola, for the most part, but also dabbling in pulse crops. He took over the operation from his father after he retired.
Schatz said although he respected what county councillors did and had on occasion a fleeting thought that it is something he might want to do, he did not seriously consider it until long-time Division 2 Coun. Marvin Braden announced his retirement.
At the same time, Schatz had more time at his disposal to devote to a new challenge after he decided to sell his cattle herd.
"So I decided to throw my hat in the ring," he said, adding he is glad he did as the last eight years have been very rewarding.
As for what the highlight of his political career so far is, Schatz said, that is easy, helping residents with their issues.
"I like working with and being able to interact with people, whether that is just a quick phone call or a meeting in person," he said.
Schatz added that he is not always able to help them with their issue. At least in the way they want or expect.
"But I do what I can to help," he said.
Schatz added much of the work council does is through committees. Over the years, Schatz has had the opportunity to serve on several committees from the Agricultural Services Board and Agricultural Society, the Barrhead District Seed Cleaning Co-op, to the policy committee and Community Futures Yellowhead East (CFYE).
The latter, CFYE, being among his favourites.
Community Futures is a not-for-profit community-driven organization that provides a wide range of small business services and business management tools for people wanting to start or expand an existing business, as well as those looking to sell or buy a business.
As for challenges, Schatz said the most difficult and ongoing issue is the maintenance of infrastructure, with roads being at the top of the list.
"The majority of complaints or questions I receive are about road conditions," he said.
And Schatz understands why, saying a good transportation system is vital for a strong and prosperous community.
"From people going to and from work, bringing people into the community and supporting agriculture by allowing farmers and producers to get our commodities back to our yards and then to market," he said. "[Roads] have always been our biggest challenge and they will be in the future."
Schatz said having a reliable road system is probably the best tool a community needs in increasing economic development and attracting businesses and industries to the area.
He added maintaining infrastructure is going to be an ever-increasing challenge for all rural municipalities as they face increasing costs while being forced to do with less because of provincial downloading.
Schatz pointed to the province cutting municipalities' Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) and Agricultural Services Board grants and having to pick up a substantially larger portion of their policing costs.
"That's our next challenge. Being able to balance our budget, what do we cut and don't cut, what is the priority of our residents? That is why it is so important that we are in touch with the people that we serve."
Schatz said for the upcoming council he believes there will be more focus on economic development.
Specifically, attracting light industry and businesses to the county's industrial park.
"Economic development is very important to me," he said. "We need to be able to increase our commercial/non-residential tax base, so the burden isn't all on our residents."
Schatz added that the council is working on attracting value-added agriculture businesses that can work hand-in-hand with area producers.
"Agriculture is so important in our county. We need to do what we can to support it," he said.
Two industries the council has been investigating or targeting are businesses in the plant protein and hemp sectors.
"But it is a difficult thing to do because you are competing with 65 other municipalities," he said.
One role Schatz said he would like to see the council be more active on is advocacy, citing healthcare as an example.
"We have a lot of ageing nurses and healthcare workers here and we need to do more to convince the younger generation to get into the healthcare field," he said.
He suggested that council could weigh in and advocate on other matters residents are concerned about even if they are not the municipality's jurisdiction, admitting there may be few levers for councillors to pull.
"We can talk to our provincial representatives and make sure it is in the forefront with them," Schatz said.
However, he said to do that, councillors need to know and understand the concerns of their constituents, which is why he is eager to hear from them during the election campaign and beyond. The best way to get in touch with Schatz is to call or text 780-674-1292.
Barry Kerton, TownandCountryToday.com
