WESTLOCK — Westlock's new mayor-elect Jon Kramer said it's an honour to be chosen as Westlock’s next mayor and the results are a “show of confidence” in him and his track record of serving the community.
“Moreso, I think it’s an affirmation just of our entire council and the work that’s been done over these past years, that people got out on a day like today, this cold and cast their vote,” said Kramer, just minutes after the results came in Wednesday night. He said he “feels supported and motivated to move ahead.”
Kramer, who vacated his current council seat mid-way through the term to run for mayor, beat Robin Brett by a decisive 367 votes, as over a thousand voters packed the Westlock and District Community Hall all day Wednesday to decide Westlock’s next mayor and one councillor, despite the bitter cold and an extreme cold warning for the region, issued earlier in the day by Environment Canada.
Following his victory on Wednesday night Kramer thanked his opponent, Brett for his time and dedication, strong effort and well-run campaign in the Jan. 10 byelection.
“The first thing I want to do is, I want to congratulate Robin on his campaign. He and his volunteers put in a lot of time and effort and I think they can be proud of the turnout that they got to the polls, this was huge numbers for the town,” said Kramer. “On both sides I think both he and I would probably say that the engagement that we saw in our community today is encouraging. That’s what people want to see.”
David Truckey was the winner of the vacant council seat, and Kramer extended his congratulations to the newest councillor, someone he said also brings years of experience and community involvement to the role.
“It’s an honour to work with somebody who’s got experience, community connections and a pulse on the community,” said Kramer. “David knows a lot of people, so it’ll be an honour to work with him and it’s a strength for our council. I think he brings a lot to the table.”
Kramer and his wife Kim have called Westlock home since 2004, and raised their two daughters in the community. He has been active in youth sports, including coaching the swim club and basketball and has assisted with the Thunderbirds football club in previous years. Kramer currently works as a substitute elementary school educational assistant and an authorized Alberta marriage commissioner.
Over the past two years he sat as a councillor he has held several board and committee appointments including the Westlock Regional Water Services Commission, Homeland Housing, the Municipal Planning Commission, Family and Community Support Services (FCSS), Health and Safety, and the Financial Framework Task Force.
“Politicians exist to take care of their communities. To do the work of making sure that people and businesses have the support they need to flourish,” said Kramer. “My one promise is I’m going to work my hardest at this job to make that happen.”
Robin Brett
Despite a well-fought campaign, it was not the result that Robin Brett had anticipated.
Although Brett lost the mayoral race he said he was encouraged by the turnout and the amazing support he received.
“It was very encouraging to see how well attended it was by so many, especially for a byelection,” said Brett. “It was encouraging to see so many Westlock residents wanting to exercise their civic duty.”
He noted the “whirlwind” campaign, from Nomination Day Dec. 13 to election day and how they “had to hit the ground running.”
Brett said he “was amazed by all the help and support that came his way” in various ways including help with signs, door knocking and donations of financial support.
Brett has operated a local computer business for the past 20 years and has been a volunteer firefighter for the past eight.
As a former town councillor himself, he brought several years of political experience to his campaign, having served three terms as a councillor from 2004 to 2013 and after raising their two children in Westlock with his wife Amie, he has some deep roots in this community.
Brett said he feels there was an “awakening in the community” during the campaign, for those who want to be more active and engaged in the issues that concern Westlock.
“There are a lot of questions people have in the community about various topics. My focus was always on the issue of transparency, but I also answered questions that came forth regarding more hot-button topics, such as the plebiscite.”
Brett said he has no plans to go anywhere and will continue contributing to his community and making a difference where he can, whether that is as a business person, firefighter or a citizen.
“Life is carrying on. I have activities and commitments in my life and I’m going to continue to fulfill them,” said Brett. “My motto has always been to try to help people and influence positive change. I will do that in whatever capacity.”
