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Black Diamond mayor seeking second term

“I’m absolutely focusing on providing the best service for our community." Black Diamond Mayor Ruth Goodwin, who is running for re-election
Ruth Goodwin 0018
Black Diamond Mayor Ruth Goodwin is running for re-election in the Oct. 18 municipal election. (Western Wheel file photo)

Black Diamond's mayor has some unfinished business she is hoping voters will let her complete.

Ruth Goodwin, the incumbent mayor of Black Diamond, filed her nomination papers on Sept. 8 and said she is also planning to run in an interim election if the amalgamation of Turner Valley and Black Diamond is approved by the Province.

“That is just my commitment in being able to see the amalgamation (through), working with staff to work on the transition and ease both staff and stakeholders into a new era,” Goodwin said.

Bringing the two Town’s together will be a high priority in the coming year and beyond, she said.

“There will be a lot of work and we need to ensure we are there to provide that support and balance for our staff,” she said.

In the last election Goodwin won against former Black Diamond Coun. Mike Ross. So far this year, no one else has submitted nomination papers for the mayoral position in Black Diamond. Nominations close on Sept. 20. The municipal election is Oct. 18.

Goodwin said she is running on the same platform she ran on four years ago.

“I’m absolutely focusing on providing the best service for our community,” she said. “Reviewing the service review with our community in the first year, just to determine what services are a priority and where we need to improve, according to our residents and stakeholders.”

Amalgamation may present more opportunities for providing or improving services, Goodwin said, adding she is looking forward to hearing from the combined voices from both communities, if amalgamation is approved by the Province.

Over the next term there are a number of projects Goodwin wants to see through, including revitalizing the downtown core.

“Just redeveloping the footprint and what we would like to see and engaging with our public and engaging in a format that involves not just council and staff, but our businesses owners,” she said. “I’m excited about the potential that will reveal and what we are going to be looking for in our downtown core and existing and new businesses.”

The Alberta Summer Games are coming to Black Diamond and Okotoks in 2023 and Goodwin says she wants to help make the event a success for the Town.

“I’m excited by the potential and the opportunity of drawing many more people from our region, province, country and outside, international, to our little community and showcase it,” she said.

Now that Black Diamond has entered into a contract with the Town of Okotoks for garbage pickup, Goodwin would like to see the Town start providing recycling and compost pickup services in the next year.

“Through the studies that have been put to both councils, both Turner Valley and Black Diamond, those studies definitely indicate there is an opportunity to make use of organic waste removal separate from solid waste, as well as recycling,” Goodwin said. “That is a big priority for me.”

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