Milestones 2019 2019 | Page 9

REACH OUT TO YOUR LOCAL COUNCILLOR TO SEE HOW YOU CAN HELP INFLUENCE THE GROWTH AND PROSPERITY OF YOUR COMMUNITY. COUNCILLOR BRIAN ROSCHE COUNCILLOR BRAD PEARSON COUNCILLOR JEFF COMMINS Division 2 Division 2 Division 2 [email protected] 780.849.0236 [email protected] 780.805.2559 [email protected] 780.805.9470 “Between flood damage at Marten Beach and Eating Creek, Widewater Complex renovations, and the unbudgeted costs to rehabilitate the MD admin building, 2018 was a year of challenge. The 2019 budget required serious belt-tightening as Council dealt with declining revenues and trimmed more than $2 million from the budget while keeping tax increases minimal. Looking ahead, our biggest challenge will be how oil and gas markets impact MD revenue through taxes, linear assessment and government grants. Difficult financial decisions lay ahead for Council, but also new opportunities.” “I believe every hamlet within our boundaries deserves a community hall, good roads, recreational opportunities, and essential services — all which form the foundation of a comfortable lifestyle with the potential to attract and retain families and businesses. To this end, partnering with our municipal neighbours makes sense on many levels. Our excellent working relationship with the Town of Slave Lake is one such example. In these challenging economic times, we must also ensure our voice is heard at the provincial level to leverage funding opportunities and influence policy.” “The year was marked by numerous challenges, from floods, washouts and power outages to unforeseen building repairs and project overruns. Despite these setbacks, Council forged ahead to focus on the issues at hand. We are living proof of the adage ‘that which does not kill you makes you stronger.’ I am eager to make progress on the Land Use Bylaw, and I hope to hear from residents during this process. Given the current political and market uncertainties, I believe now more than ever we must think outside the box and work together to forge a resilient and prosperous local economy.” 09