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Election 2025: County of Grande Prairie talking with the candidates

October 2, 2025

By: Submitted

Town & Country News extended an invitation to all municipal election candidates in the city and county of Grande Prairie, Saddle Hills County, the towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith and Wembley as well as those vying for trustees in Peace Wapiti School Division, Grande Prairie Public School Division and Grande Prairie & District Catholic Schools.

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

The county will elect seven councillors, from which a reeve will be selected by council. 

Division 1

No response received from Amanda Frayn (I) acclaimed.

Division 2

Kurt Balderston (I):  

Kurt Balderston (Photo submitted)

1. My first priority is keeping taxes and the cost of living manageable for families in our county. I believe the local government's most important job is being a careful steward of taxpayer dollars. This means scrutinizing every budget line, finding ways to cut unnecessary costs, and ensuring we're getting maximum value from county investments. I'll continue pushing for transparent budgeting processes and will always ask the hard questions about whether proposed spending truly serves our residents' needs.

My second priority is expanding affordable recreation opportunities for families. There are limited options for family activities in this area, and the ones that we have are often prohibitively expensive. I want to work with our schools, community groups, and existing facilities to create more accessible programs – whether that's community skating or new parks and walking trails to bring people together.

2. I've served two terms on county council, giving me a deep understanding of how our municipality works. Beyond council, I've spent decades on various community, agricultural, and church boards, focusing on everything from community safety to local seed plants. These years of service have taught me that good governance requires listening to different perspectives and understanding how decisions affect farmers, families, seniors, and everyone in between.

I bring years of service, a commitment to finding practical solutions that serve everyone in our community, and a true passion for the district my family has called home for 113 years. I’m deeply and personally invested in seeing it thrive for generations to come. I understand the issues, I’ve built the relationships, and I will always put our community’s needs first.

3. I do; abandoning the economic and social ties to the rest of Canada would have immense fiscal consequences. But the current deal isn't working. Alberta pays billions more into federal programs like equalization than it receives, even during our own economic hardships. That's unfair and unsustainable. We have roads that need maintaining, services that require support, and infrastructure that must keep pace with our growing population. The money our community earns should stay within our community.

Cindy Trudel:  

Cindy Trudel (Photo submitted)

1. My top two priorities are giving Clairmont a strong voice at the council table and improving communication with the residents. I will listen to the residents when they have a concern and update them as needed. I also will be doing social media updates on what is happening in and around our community. 

2. I served on Town Council in Wembley before moving to Clairmont, so I understand how municipal government works and how the decisions are made. I am the current President for the Clairmont and District Agricultural Society, where I have organized and led many community events.  I have taken many courses throughout the years to hone my leadership skills as well hands on leadership experience, team work skills and learning a real sense of what makes a community thrive. I will bring that experience and knowledge to the council chambers. 

3. My main focus right now is representing Clairmont at the municipal level. That is a subject for a higher level of government. I will be the voice of my neighbours and friends in my community as a concerned citizen and not a politician.

Division 3

No responses received from Terry Beaupre or Joel Park

Division 4

Lynn Driedger:

Lynn Driedger (Photo submitted)

1. The priorities I bring forward will reflect the needs and concerns of the people in my division. This campaign — and this role — is not about me, but about serving the community. The County of Grande Prairie is an incredible place, full of hard-working and caring people. I want to help build on the strong foundation that already exists.

One topic I will be advocating for is better water distribution at a reasonable rate. Access to convenient, affordable water is essential for our rural residents, agricultural producers, and local businesses. 

I believe the best way to bring about meaningful change is by being accessible, engaged, and responsive. I will actively listen to residents, understand their perspectives, and ensure those voices are clearly and accurately represented at the Council table. Open communication, transparency, and ongoing dialogue will be the tools I use to support our division and make well-informed decisions.

2. I’ve had the opportunity to serve in a number of leadership roles that have given me broad experience at both the local and provincial levels. I served as a Trustee on the Grande Prairie Public School Board, where I sat on various committees that shaped policy and governance.

In addition, I’ve served as Executive Officer on a land development board and as Executive Officer on the local Home Builders board, which provided me with deep insight into our region’s growth, development, and housing needs. My involvement also includes volunteering on the board of the Society for Christian Education Grande Prairie, as well as participating in church, school, and community fundraisers.

These experiences have equipped me with a balanced perspective, strong decision-making skills, and a collaborative leadership style that I will bring to Council to serve effectively and represent our community well.

3. Having a positive referendum is something I hope we see. I am very supportive of getting to the national negotiation table and establishing Albert’s appropriate position within Canada. Whether Alberta should remain in Canada is a significant question, and the answer depends on the outcomes of those negotiations. I am committed to advocating for what Albertans want for their future.

No responses received from Marty Tissington.

Division 5

Brian Lieverse:  

Brian Lieverse (Photo submitted)

1. If elected, one of my top priorities would include ensuring our tax dollars are spent wisely. The County has a strong industrial and oil and gas tax base; which has allowed over $98 million to be invested in capital projects, more than two-thirds of it specifically on roads and bridges. These investments are important, but we must make sure they are necessary, economically sound, and designed with state-of –the art technology to keep future operating costs manageable.

Another priority is protecting one of our most valuable assets, our agricultural land. The last few years have been especially challenging for farmers, and we must work with our provincial government to ensure they receive the support they need.

2. Throughout my life, I have been actively involved in community organizations such as 4H, minor hockey, the Peace Airshed Zone Association, and the Mighty Peace Watershed Alliance. I know that real success takes teamwork. In recent years, I’ve worked extensively with minor hockey, Hockey Alberta and the Officials Development Program to mentor young referees and help keep them in the game.

My career in oil and gas gave me valuable experience in community relations. I worked directly with residents, land owners, elected officials, government agencies, and businesses to identify challenges and build solutions that benefit everyone. If elected to County Council, I will bring that same knowledge, experience, and collaborative approach to serve and benefit you.

3. I am a proud Canadian, who has had the privilege of growing up and raising my family in the best province in Canada. That doesn’t mean that I’m happy with every decision coming out of Ottawa. Too often, their policies are short-sighted and seem to benefit central Canada, in particular Ontario and Quebec at the expense of the west. We need to stand up to Ottawa and fight for the future of our next generations. 

No responses received from Carrie Hogg, Robert Hill or Sonja Raven. 

Division 6

Geri Blew

Geri Blew (Photo submitted)

1. My top priorities are protecting our water and addressing taxes. Water is at the heart of everything we do — for our families, farms, and future. We must be vigilant about how industry, including oil and gas, affects our supply and ensure safeguards are in place to keep it safe and reliable.

Taxes are another key concern. Rising costs affect every household and farm in our county. I believe we need to focus on fairness, accountability, and ensuring that residents see real value for every dollar spent. By carefully reviewing spending and keeping community priorities at the center, we can ease the burden on families while still providing the services we rely on.

2.  My leadership has always been community-based. I’ve taken on roles where listening, organizing, and helping others find solutions mattered most. Whether supporting local groups, lending a hand to families, or speaking up when something wasn’t right, I’ve learned that leadership is about showing up, listening, and following through.

If elected, I will bring an approachable, steady voice to council. I believe in asking questions, hearing people out, and making sure decisions reflect the realities faced by residents in Division 6. My focus will be on accountability, practicality, and always keeping our community’s best interests at the center of every discussion.

3. I believe Alberta’s future should always be decided by Albertans. While I hope we can continue within Canada, it’s important to recognize the concerns many people have about how we are treated. We should keep all options on the table while continuing to push for fairness and  accountability. 

Brian Grant:  

Brian Grant (Photo submitted)

1. Our communities face many challenges but at this time I would consider community safety and infrastructure improvements at the top. Crime has been a growing issue all around us. Theft, vandalism, drugs, violence, and more. Increased financial support for community crime prevention programs and significant improvements in response times to active crime would be a start. Intense lobbying for reforms to our justice system should a focus for all elected representatives to minimize repeat offences. Tough on crime is key!

Roads and infrastructure are always key to rural life. Ensuring a balanced approach between investment in paving and the cost of maintaining gravelled surfaces is important for maximum long-term efficiency. Our communities are growing and so are our needs for acceptable winter snow removal and ice control. Allocation of resources by area size, traffic type, and volume, are important to achieve a balanced level of service for all residents. All options should be on the table, including the use of contractor services, to achieve maximum efficiencies and service improvement. Communicating a level of service plan for all residents to understand can reduce resident anxiety and complaints.

2. My leadership experience is extensive. A 40+ year career in aviation transportation, personal business ventures, community organizations, and a family farm. While all have been a tremendous opportunity for growth and enjoyment, community leadership is the most rewarding, and at times the most challenging. There is no better feeling than working as a team to find solutions and stretch resources to build the community. These are the strengths I hope to bring to council.

3. For me it’s an emotional, and sometimes conflicting question. I am tired of the repression the whole of Canada brings upon itself with our current federal political system. I believe we are better in a unified country but long ago came to the realization that regardless of who forms government the results will be the same without reform for equal representation. Most importantly, we must respect each others’ opinions. I believe we can succeed either way. We are Alberta!

No response received from Travis Lindblom. 

Division 7

Dallas Pierson: 

Dallas Pierson (Photo submitted)

1. Supporting the community and communicating the direction of the County are my two top priorities. To do this my approach is that decisions should be made about how it affects people. Communicating back to people is also critically important as it provides accountability and helps determine the effectiveness of programs and services. 

 2. I bring 35 years of experience in public service as an emergency responder which includes a breadth of experience in public engagement, agency and government committees, plus many community volunteer organizations. I also have experience and understanding in many of the County programs and services. Additionally I bring an understanding of policy, governance and formal education in engagement and emergency management. Combining this with spending the majority of my life grounded in the County of Grande Prairie, my professional experience, and common sense hard working rural perspectives, are all a great fit for representing the community.

3. For me, I lean towards no. Whether it's independence, separation or otherwise, I would love to see all of the pro’s and con’s of each option so that Albertan’s can make an informed consensus on our future. Currently, I feel the Provincial government is moving in the right direction for Albertan’s. While the topic of independence or separation is scary, terrifying is the thought of our current status quo getting exponentially worse. Change brings opportunity. Opportunity brings prosperity. Prosperity brings independence. And independence brings leverage for growth. 

No response received from Brian Peterson (I).

Division 8 

Karen Rosvold (I) Acclaimed.

Karen Rosvold (Photo submitted)

1. I believe that remembering our rural roots are extremely important, we may be a growing community, but it will always be important to remember where we came from to be able to go forward. We sometimes forget that our rural residents are just as important as our urban residents so I will continue to remind council of that importance. 

My second priority is part of my participation in the Grande Spirit Foundation. We are currently working on an affordable housing plan, and I would like to continue to further that project.

2.  I will be coming into my fourth term, so I have considerable experience at the council table, but I also have sat on many provincial committees. I was the regional rep for the FCSSAA (Family & Community Support Services Association of Alberta) for a few years as well as sat as the provincial chair for the FCSSAA. I currently sit as the Zone 4 Director for the RMA (Rural Municipalities of Alberta) board, which includes a suite of advocacy, insurance and procurement opportunities for municipalities, school boards, utility companies and non-profits.

3. I believe that our residents will have to make this decision. This is not something that is dealt with at a municipal level. Every resident should be involved with this decision.

Division 9 

Rocky Sodergren:

1. I want to see more community engagement and communication before, during, and after projects. Too often residents don’t know and are unable to object or give valuable input.  This is a responsibility that I would take as a councillor for every project in division 9.

Secondly I would like to see planning around smaller communities, such as Teepee Creek and Webster, for residents to bring forward options and see a vision of how the rural community can grow and keep valuable services.

2. Being Small business owner and operator in the Sexsmith area for 20 years has given me the experience I need to easily engage and listen to people.  I have learned that I am very able to speak on behalf of my community. It’s a passion of mine. When asked, I will bring the concerns and needs of division 9 to council.

3. Unfortunately I don’t really think that’s a question that county council needs to deal with. Our job is to serve our immediate community and neighbours. We receive our primary funding from local property taxes and owe our full attention to local matters of budget, service, and function to our County of Grande Prairie residents and tax payers.  I would like to see Canada remain intact, however I think there are problems with the Federal and Provincial power balance that will be left up to politics far from Teepee Creek, Bad Heart, and Webster.

No responses received from Bob Chrenek (Incumbent) or Allan Johnson.