Town & Country News extended an invitation to all municipal election candidates in Beaverlodge.

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

Mayor

Terry Dueck: 

1. Maintaining the infrastructure we have now especially the roads which have been neglected very poorly by this council as they moved at a turtle's pace in my eyes, showed  very poor judgement, responsibility on priorities, and the lack of transparency by this Mayor and council with the new health centre by keeping information hidden for 8 months. I intend to be the opposite. The other priority is a new K-8 school which we need and I will fight for that as the safety of our children and the wellbeing of them will be a major priority. Responsibility with the money we have will dictate what we can do and build with what the community needs, not what council needs. 

2. I have worked with the County of Grande Prairie as a supervisor for many years, senior Ranger with the Alberta Park Service and was a Sheriff's Officer for a number of years and with these positions I have gained knowledge and experience on responsibility and trust to get jobs done on time and on budget. Having been on council before I will bring back trust and transparency that we lack now and we the people need to see more of.  

3. I was born in Alberta and have stood up many times for this province. I am proud to be a Canadian but equally being proud of Alberta. I believe we need to stay in Canada but we need to be shown much more respect for what this province has given Canada.     

Paul Szkopiec:

1. My first priority is to strengthen our local economy by supporting small businesses and encouraging new investment in Beaverlodge. As a long-time business owner, I know the challenges of running a business and creating jobs. I will work with council and regional partners to reduce red tape, promote local hiring, and make it easier for new businesses to open their doors here.

My second priority is to ensure Beaverlodge continues to be a safe, welcoming place for families. That means improving local infrastructure, keeping our community spaces well-maintained, and making sure town decisions reflect what residents actually need. I will actively listen to citizens and keep community voices at the center of council decisions.

2.  I have lived in Beaverlodge for 15 years and in the surrounding area for over 30 years. As a business owner, I employ five local staff members — all from our community. Leading a business means making tough decisions, managing budgets, and always being accountable to the people you serve. These are the same qualities I will bring to council.

I also believe leadership is about listening first. I will bring a practical, common-sense approach to decision-making and ensure that every discussion at council stays focused on what benefits Beaverlodge residents most.

3.  I believe Alberta would be stronger if it charted its own path outside of Canada. Too often, decisions made in Ottawa do not reflect the realities of Albertans, especially in smaller communities like Beaverlodge. Remaining tied to a federal system that overlooks our region has held us back. By exploring independence or greater autonomy, Alberta could better protect its resources, strengthen its economy, and put our communities first. My focus is making sure Beaverlodge has a strong voice in that conversation.

No response received from Mayor Gary Rycroft (I).

Councillors

Trevor Bartsch:  

1. Affordability for residents. I want to ensure residents can continue to live and thrive in Beaverlodge. This means carefully managing the town's budget, seeking provincial and federal funding opportunities, ensuring new developments balance growth with the needs of current residents.  Infrastructure. My focus will be proactive rather than reactive. Roads, water and community facilities are crucial to our town and require steady investment and proper maintenance. I will set clear priorities, create a realistic long-term plan, and make sure we are addressing both immediate needs and future growth.  

2. My experience as a volunteer at the Beaverlodge Fire Department has given me an understanding of what it means to lead in a high-responsibility role. In that position, I was accountable for making quick but careful decisions, ensuring the safety of my crew, and serving the community when they needed us the most. It taught me the importance of clear communication, teamwork, and staying calm under pressure.  

As a councillor I will bring those same qualities into the council chamber. I know how to work together for a common goal, manage limited resources effectively, and put the needs of the community first. I'll also bring accountability and a strong sense of service, making sure your voices are heard and concerns are addressed with respect and action. 

3. I believe Alberta is stronger when we stay part of Canada. Living in a small town, we know the importance of working together and supporting each other — and that’s what being part of Canada means for us. We get access to important services like healthcare, schools, and infrastructure funding that help our community thrive.  At the same time, I understand that many people here feel Alberta’s concerns aren’talways heard, especially when it comes to our resources and the money we contribute. That’s why I would like to see Alberta have a fair and equal vote in federal decisions.

Stan Berry: 

1. My two top priorities for the new council would be conducting a survey and upgrading town infrastructure. We have an aging water and sewer system that is already causing some issues. It would be the responsibility of the new town Council to consider a long-term plan to upgrade existing utility infrastructure. We also have a potential issue with road and sidewalk maintenance.

2. I have chaired numerous boards and committees. I have held leadership roles in Scouting, the fire service, my church, and other organizations. As elected municipal representative, I feel that I would be able to meaningfully contribute to discussions as well as help direct committees to keep them on track.

3. I do not think that this question is appropriate in this forum. This forum and these questions should concentrate on local issues. Provincial and national issues are unlikely to be resolved at the municipal level. Each person needs to decide these factors for themselves.

Cyndi Corbett (I):

1. My top two priorities are Tourism and Enhancement. By bringing people in we boost our Economy. I bring my connections with our surrounding Municipalities. Collaboration with them creates a mutual benefit to all parties involved. By creating ambassadors, our Town becomes a place that everyone wants to see. I wish to improve the quality of life for all residents.

2. I have sat on many Committees in an Executive position. Good leadership qualities I possess are thinking outside the box to achieve mutual goals.  Remember to thank all involved! 

3. I think Alberta should remain in Canada with an amendment to the Equalization Plan.

Richard Lappenbush: 

1. Top priorities include improving recreational facilities and parks, promoting active living, expanding opportunities for seniors, and ensuring investment in roads and infrastructure improvements. He also expressed enthusiasm for the health complex under construction, calling it “a game-changer for Beaverlodge residents that I can’t wait to see completed.”

2. He previously served three terms on council in the early 2000s, including a term as Acting Deputy Mayor, and also represented the region for 10 years as a trustee with the Peace Wapiti School Division.

Along with political and volunteer service, Lappenbush has over 25 years of business leadership as the owner of Rheton Welding Services. In recent years, he has diversified into a storage business and vehicle restoration, reflecting his entrepreneurial spirit and ability to adapt to changing needs.

His community involvement has been broad, serving as president of Beaverlodge Minor Hockey and the Beaverlodge Petroleum Club, volunteering with the Curling Club, and working with other volunteer associations.

3.  That question comes down to what people prefer. “For me, I’m proud to be Canadian. I believe Alberta is strongest within the federation, and our energy is best spent on building stronger communities and making sure Alberta’s voice is heard within Canada.”

Cal Mosher (I):

1. Maintaining town infrastructure - working with our town administration to understand what the main priorities are. Community Safety - education, policing efforts and communication with residents.

2. I have 2 terms on Council. 

3. This is non-applicable for a municipal election, if it was a provincial topic then an answer might be acceptable.

Jennifer Wolan: 

1. My top 2 priorities are; health care access an advocacy and infrastructure and safety.  With the upcoming Mountview Health Complex moving ahead I want to see and support initiatives that keep emergency services close to home, especially for seniors and families.

2. This is my first time running for municipal representative. I hope to learn and assist in the growth of the community that I call home.

3.   I have not made an informed opinion on this topic. More research is needed.

No responses received from Judy Kokotilo-Bekkerus (I), Hugh Graw (I) or Tyke Longmore.