Transparency, business recovery and water are top of mind for an Okotoks council candidate.
James Lee, who is a manager in a local grocery store, has lived in Okotoks for 13 years and said he’s running in the upcoming election because of his passion for the town and a desire to see some change.
“A few things have come up and a few opinions have been brought up to me, and it kind of encouraged me to run in this election,” said Lee.
Keeping council accountable and open to the public is one of his top priorities. That included hearing opinions from all sides and taking everything into consideration, he said.
It appeared in the last two terms that only a few councillors were interested in engaging the public, he said.
“I think moving forward it’s important to have a council of people who feel that way, who are willing to put themselves out there in the public, not be afraid to get out there and meet people and say hello – get people’s opinions,” said Lee.
With many current councillors not seeking re-election, he said there is a unique opportunity in the 2021 municipal election.
“It’s nice to have diverse group of people running,” said Lee.
While he had hoped to keep water issues out of his campaign, he said the recent issues with water operations brought the pipeline and ongoing water shortages back to the spotlight.
The plan to partner with Foothills County is promising, but he said shovels need to get in the ground.
“I think it’s very easy to talk about it,” said Lee. “It’s easy to say there’s a plan in motion and moving parts that need to be finalized, but it’s another thing to get it done.
“We need to make sure the timelines in place are met as much as possible, especially with the growth we see here.”
A focus on business and economic development is also vital as Okotoks moves toward recovery from the pandemic, he said.
After more than 15 months of shutdowns and losses, he said the residents and business owners need all the support they can get.
“Everyone was affected by COVID and it’s important we make it our priority in the next one or two years to get us back to where we were, if not better,” said Lee.
“It comes down to sustainable growth and allowing businesses to come in that are willing to contribute to the town.”
Most importantly, Lee said he’s open to having any conversations with resident on Town matters, whether in-person, through email or phone calls and texts, or via social media.
His approach is to be available to everyone and exercise the customer service skills he has gained through his career.
“You have to be willing to talk to people, and you have to be willing to hear people and come to an agreement together,” said Lee. “That’s what I bring to the table is my excellent customer service skills – I’m a great listener, and I’m a great talker.
“If you stop me on the street and want to have a conversation, then we’re going to stop and have a conversation.”
While his campaign is focused on what he feels are three key topics, Lee said being on council is about more than what he believes in and the direction he would like to see the town go – though he does have his own ideas.
“My opinion is not as important as the opinion of the greater good,” he said. “That’s something I think everyone needs to understand – it’s not about pushing your own values as much as it is being a voice for the people you’re representing in Okotoks.”
