Town & Country News extended an invitation to all municipal election candidates in Saddle Hills County.

Each was invited to answer three questions and submit a photo. We are publishing every response we received.

1. What are your top two priorities, and how do you hope to make those changes?

2. What leadership experience will you bring to the council chambers? 

3. Do you believe Alberta should remain in Canada? 

(I) means incumbent

Saddle Hills will elect councillors for five wards, from them council will select the reeve.

Division 1

Dwight Gulka: 

1. Two of my key priorities will be: Increasing transparency between council and internal departments; Restoring the high level of service that Saddle Hills residents once enjoyed. I strongly believe that open, consistent communication is the foundation of good governance. Over time, barriers have formed between departments and council, and it is essential that we work together to remove those walls.

2. I bring many years of supervisory experience from both the oilfield and wood industries, where I managed teams of up to 25 employees. Throughout my career, I have developed strong organizational and communication skills that I believe will serve our community well.

3. On the broader issue of Alberta’s relationship with Canada, I recognize that it is a complex and difficult question for many Albertans. Historically, Alberta has contributed significantly more to Ottawa than it has received in return, and this imbalance has fueled ongoing frustration. In my view, major reforms to the financial arrangements between Ottawa and Alberta are necessary. If such changes were implemented, many who currently support separation might reconsider. At the same time, it is well documented that Alberta could benefit greatly from independence. Ultimately, this is a decision that must rest with the people of Alberta.

Karolyn Kelly:  

1.  My first priority is taxation. With rising property values, residents deserve fair and reasonable options. I will bring forward a motion to reinstate the 3–5% early payment incentive for taxes paid before July 31, a program that was well received in the past. In addition, I will propose a dedicated mill rate for seniors and residents with disabilities, ensuring support for those on fixed incomes.

My second priority is road maintenance, especially in winter. Safe, open roads are essential for school buses, emergency services, families, and working residents. I will call for a review of our equipment and staffing needs to improve snow and ice clearing, including driveways and yards for seniors and residents with disabilities. Where additional staff is required, I will advocate that the hiring is locally to keep jobs within our municipality.

2. I previously worked at Saddle Hills County 19.5 years; I started in the agriculture department then shortly moved into Corporate Services. I started my career here and worked my way up to the manager for the assessment department. These roles gave me the unique discipline of fairness, consistency, and to balance individual concerns with community-wide needs. I am familiar with council policies and procedures. I have served in elected leadership roles, chaired meetings, completed extensive training and I will continue to. I am a farm owner and operator, grounded in hard work and community values. These experiences have strengthened my organizational, decision-making, problem-solving skills and long-term goals, all of which I will bring to the council table.

3. This decision rests with all Albertans as a whole. As councillor, I feel my responsibility is to respect and uphold the democratic process without influence or imposing my personal views.

No responses received from Daniel Roy (I).

Division 2 

Lance Hingley, Acclaimed; no response received.

Division 3

Sarah Weiss:

1. One of my top priorities is to continue supporting and expanding youth opportunities in our community. I want to help keep young people engaged and rooted here — through access to meaningful work, recreation, and mentorship. Programs that give youth real-world experience — including existing initiatives within the county — should be supported and promoted. These not only benefit the youth themselves but also encourage long-term connection to the place they call home. This also means supporting our seniors — ensuring they have the help and resources they need to maintain independence and quality of life. Many day-to-day tasks become more difficult with age, and I want to make sure there are accessible options for assistance, whether through volunteer support, local services, or community programs. By caring for our seniors while creating opportunities for youth, we can bring generations together and foster a stronger sense of unity.

My second priority is to continue supporting our farmers and ranchers. Agriculture is central to our region, and I will advocate for increased access to grants, disaster relief programs, and funding opportunities that help producers navigate challenges like drought, ag disasters, and market fluctuations. I’ll work to research and promote these tools, and advocate at every level for better support where gaps exist.

2. I’ve served in various community leadership roles, including on the Agricultural Services Board, as an ALUS PAC member, and with the Savanna Ag Society. I’ve managed youth sports like U9 hockey, coached soccer, and volunteered with fundraisers and the Savanna Fair. I have assisted in the Savanna school drama program, I work as an educational assistant and substitute EA, and support children with diverse learning needs. I also operate my own social media consulting business.

I bring a grounded, community-first approach, shaped by hands-on experience, deep local involvement, and a strong belief in collaborative leadership.

3. I believe Alberta should do what’s best for Alberta. That means making decisions that support our people, economy, and long-term interests — whether within Confederation or through pursuing greater provincial autonomy.

No response received from Blaine Rogers.

Division 4

Cindy Clarke: 

1. My top two priorities would be to encourage development for attraction and/or retention of  residents, workers,  small business, and industry.  I have seen first hand the decline of population and the closure of small businesses due to the ever changing economic environment in the province and the country.  Smaller, more self sufficient ‘off the grid’ operations are becoming increasingly popular, and it would be interesting to see if Saddle Hills County could assist with this lifestyle.

I would also look for ways to assist the residents, workers, and businesses of Saddle Hills County with well being.  This could involve the recruitment of health care providers, teachers, and other professionals, who encourage well being.  Continue with workshops and information to assist people, especially those involved in the agriculture industry, learning how to change or cope with climate change and the economic fallout.

2. I have 13 years of past experience sitting on the Saddle Hills County Council from 2004 to 2017.  During that time I sat on many of the Boards and Committes, and was Chair of the Subdivision Development Appeal Board, the Library Board, and the Waste Management Commission. 

I am familiar with the process of Strategic Planning and Municipal Development and Council’s role with guiding the municipality’s plans for the future. 

I am aware that tax payers expect that the municipality is fiscally responsible with tax payer dollars.

I have an Accounting Diploma and had started my own homebased bookkeeping business in 1997.  I am familiar with the financial process and budgeting.

3. Its unfortunate that the federal government has fractured Canada to the point that a number of provinces are looking for other options.

No response received from Edward Armagost (I) or Mandy Brandson.

Division 5

No response received from Ralph Bolch or Shirley Klatt (I). 

Division 6

No response received from Gerald Richard (I) Acclaimed. 

Division 7

No response received from Bani Morin or Jenn van Rootselaar.