Second Division 5 candidate steps forward in Rocky View

A second candidate has announced his intention to run in Rocky View’s Division 5 in this fall’s municipal election to take place, Oct. 18.

Jerry Gautreau, a 45-year-old business owner who has lived east of Chestermere for 13 years, is running in this year’s election.

Gautreau ran in the past three elections, and is hoping residents will vote for a change.

“Rocky View County needs people with alternative thinking,” said Gautreau.

“I believe my strength will be to bring concerns to the forefront to make this county a more fair and equitable place to live.”

Gautreau is very active in the community, having sat on both the Development Appeal and the Subdivision Appeal boards.

He is currently the chair of the Assessment Review Board and chair of the Conrich Chestermere Recreation Board.

He has also been involved in Scouts Canada for more than 35 years.

Gautreau said the County should offer the same services, such as garbage pickup, to all areas of the county.

If elected, Gautreau said he will work towards making the County more accountable for its spending.

“Bad decisions have cost the residents money through taxes,” said Gautreau. “We have to be making financially responsible decisions.”

Gautreau said the current council is not abiding by its long-term planning document, the Growth Management Strategy (GMS).

“They aren’t looking at it,” said Gautreau of the GMS.

“It just sits there.”

He said there needs to be a greater effort towards protecting agricultural lands, as the county is in the unique situation of surrounding the City of Calgary on three sides, which is threatening to swallow it up.

Gautreau is not against development, but he says it must be appropriate development that will help sustain Rocky View’s tax base.

“I believe with a new council, we could actually extend our friendship to them (Calgary),” said Gautreau.

“Maybe we can work a little closer to them if there is a new council. That is where the alternative thinking comes in.”

Gautreau says having a young family gives him an advantage of learning what the younger generation envisions for the future of the county.

In addition, he says his Aboriginal heritage has taught him to listen and take into account the wisdom of the older generation.

“My slogan is ‘get your views known’, and I am here to listen,” said Gautreau. “I deeply care about this county. It doesn’t matter to me if you are from the east, west, north or south, we are all one county.”