The Oct. 16 Municipal Election has its first race, with challenger Stuart Fox-Robinson throwing his hat in the ring for the Westlock County Division 6 title against incumbent Mel Kroetsch.
Saying that Westlock County has been no stranger to drama in the last four years, the Wildrose REA president explained that if elected he would push for a long-term strategic plan for the county, not unlike the plan the Town of Westlock implemented.
“One of the things (the strategic plan) would encompass is roads, but also the infrastructure that goes along with roads — bridges, culverts, and vegetation management,” he said. “It’s like planning for retirement. You can’t just wake up one morning and say ‘I want to be wealthy when I retire.’ You have to put in place multiple steps to be able to get there.”
He argued that as it currently stands, there is no strong vision for the county and Westlock is missing opportunities.
He also wants to see greater co-operation between the county, town and the Village of Clyde, arguing that with the right plan Westlock could reap the benefits of being an hour-drive away from Edmonton.
Bringing to the table a degree in economics and efficiencies and 20 years of board governance, Fox-Robinson noted he already has a lot of similar experiences.
“I work with very complex legislation on a daily basis, so I think I understand the regulatory side of government,” he said.
“There’s a lot of economic development that can be done here.”
He added that he decided to run after being asked by a number of residents whom he holds in great regard, but was especially motivated by his love of the area, which he has lived in for the past 12 years.
“I have a six-year-old daughter,” he said. “I want her to be extremely proud of where she comes from. When she goes to university, I want her to want to bring friends from university home to show them where she comes from.”
