WESTLOCK — Long-time Westlock resident and business owner, David Truckey is very excited to be back as a Town of Westlock councillor and is looking forward to working with other members of council and the new mayor-elect, Jon Kramer, to keep “Westlock moving forward.”
“It was truly humbling to be re-elected to Westlock town council,” said Truckey. “When I saw the voter turnout, I was both amazed and impressed that our community would throw on their snow boots, toques, mitts and parkas and go out in such cold conditions.”
Truckey earned 615 votes, defeating Benita Pedersen (255 votes), Laurie Hodge (244 votes), Alair Plett (54 votes) and Derrill Rayner (73 votes). He previously served 17 years on town council over five terms, starting in 2004, but stepped down in 2019. He currently sits as a Pembina Hills School Division (PHSD) trustee. Truckey was first elected in a byelection as a PHSD trustee in 2013 where held the position for two years. He took one term off, and then was elected again in 2021. He plans to continue in his school board position while sitting as a Town of Westlock councillor and will also continue operating his two local businesses, Apollo Pizza and Dairy Queen with his wife Sandra.
He said he was aware of “some hiccups with the voting” and that some people had to wait outside for some time, but noted the efforts of the town to accommodate the large crowds.
“I know that later on the town was able to open up the big hall room so people were able to be indoors,” he said. “I want to thank the town staff for all they did (Wednesday) in terms of getting people through the line.”
Truckey said every candidate he ran against put forth “valued ideas” during the campaign, which he will look at and consider to help advance some of their thoughts and ideas at council.
“It’s not just about me. I’m one person at the table, I’m one vote,” said Truckey. “You have to always look at everybody’s input before you (make) a decision.”
Moving forward, Truckey says there is much work still to do as a community, for citizens, for youth and seniors and those disadvantaged and disenfranchised. He looks forward to being part of and contributing to the positive changes ahead.
“I think that Westlock will continue to do great things,” said Truckey. “Our community has changed a lot over the last 20 years and I think that people have to look back at what has changed (in that time) in terms of business growth, recreation facilities as well as housing,” he added. “There’s still work to be done.”
Truckey was officially sworn in as Town of Westlock councillor in a short swearing-in ceremony Jan. 12, due to scheduling conflicts, as he would not be available Jan. 15, when mayor-elect Jon Kramer will be sworn in prior to the town’s committee of the whole meeting at 6:30 p.m.
