WHY VOTE FOR SAMANNTHA?
Since I first ran, I have heard repeatedly from those who choose to live in Rocky View that they do so for its unique lifestyle. For some, this is the family farm or ranch, for others, it is an acreage in a country residential community, and for others still, it is a home in a cluster or hamlet community. What it is not is the high-density housing so readily offered by our urban neighbours.
Rocky View is at a crossroads. With increasingly significant development pressures, Rocky View’s Council needs to chart a course that
BOARD/ COMMITTEE EXPERIENCE
Councillor - Rocky View County - 8 years
Chair – Public Presentation Committee - 4 years
Chair – Family Community Support Services - 5 years
Member – Agriculture Services Board - 5 years
Vice-Chair – Recreation Governance Committee - 4 years
Vice-Chair – Governance Committee - 2 years
President / Secretary – Rural Crime Watch - 7 years
EDUCATION
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BA (Hons) Political Science / English - Laurentian University
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Graduate Certificate (Hons) Public Relations / Communications - Humber College
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Women in Leadership Certificate - University of Sask.
balances our desire to maintain our country lifestyle with emerging trends. A path that advances and strengthens relationships with our neighbours and entices new opportunities, while balancing the needs of existing residents, protecting environmentally sensitive areas, and respecting our agricultural heritage. My track record of strong governance will help ensure that this happens.
For years, development in Rocky View resembled a dart board. Many earlier Councils' "successes" were based on good luck rather than good planning; they did not consider the financial impacts of development proposals. Some of these proposals cost the County millions in lawsuits and duplicated infrastructure. Planners didn’t plan, instead developers and landowners came forward with proposals for their lands and councils approved those plans. While this provided opportunity, it also left us with ad hoc development, some of it on our most valuable agricultural lands.
In my eight years on Council, I have done my utmost to put an end to this. To gain a deeper understanding of the County, I have sat on numerous Boards and Committees. I have championed issues like the Aggregate Resource Plan, the Bearspaw Area Structure Plan, and improved policy around agriculture and public engagement. I am a strong supporter of initiatives like the financial impact assessment model, asset management planning and improved permitting processes. I have also been a staunch advocate for policy that preserves our country lifestyle, and have made it my mission to see that residents not only have the means to participate, but that they have a voice on Council.
We already have thousands of acres of lands approved for growth, should they not build out before we approve more? And, if we do approve more, there must be strong rationale and community support.
As I said above, Rocky View is at an important crossroads. My solid track record of supporting modernized decision-making practices, of listening to and representing County residents, and of a strong commitment to good governance will ensure that Rocky View maximizes its opportunities, while protecting what makes this special place our home.
On October 20th, vote Samanntha Wright for Division 4 Councillor, Rocky View County!