Jerry Buchko is running for town council at the upcoming municipal election with 31 years of experience within the education system under his belt.
Buchko will be a familiar name to anyone involved with R.F. Staples as he is a longtime teacher and administrator with his wife Keltey also teaching at the school.
“I just love this community. I just want to try something new,” says Buchko. “As an educator, I'm always looking to learn new things.”
Buchko has an education degree from the University of Saskatchewan and previously worked as a vice-principal and teacher in Fort Assiniboine and Tumbler Ridge, B.C., prior to relocating to Westlock in 2002. Since his retirement two years ago, Buchko has been taking contract jobs in Barrhead and Pibroch colony schools.
As a native of the small community of Ituna, Sask., Buchko believes he possesses an understanding of the needs of small communities.
“You know everybody. My kid went to school here, and when you travel for sports, you're basically on the team. There’s a very low crime rate, it’s just slower paced than the city,” says Buchko. “I love living in small communities. I grew up in one and it's a sense of family.”
Buchko also hopes to strengthen athletics in Westlock. Buchko was a leading figure in starting the Thunderbirds football program in 2006 and is currently the fundraising coordinator for the team in charge of sponsorships.
Despite not having experience in municipal politics, Buchko believes his experience as an administrator and teacher at R.F. Staples will translate well in the political world.
“I think my biggest asset is I’m very personable, approachable and as my wife says, I can make friends with a fence post,” says Buchko. “I'm all about listening to people, ideas, suggestions on how we can make Westlock better and I'm the type of a person where if I complain about something, I come with a solution.”
Buchko is hoping to balance the wishes of the community with responsible spending, which is another one of his priorities.
“I know they're looking for new U18 ball fields to put in Westlock. I know there's been talk of a spray park. I know the football team is looking for change rooms up the field, but what I'm learning is all this costs money and everything needs to be prioritized. With all those things, the only way to pay for it is to raise taxes,” says Buchko.
Other priorities of Buchko’s campaign include creating partnerships with local businesses and non-profits and transparency and accountability through open communication with citizens.
Buchko is one of only two candidates who have officially announced their candidacy for town council so far, joining Laura Morie, who currently serves on council. Voters will be electing a mayor and six councillors on Oct. 30.
