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

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

Kate Potter was acclaimed mayor and no response was received.

Councillor

Bruce Black (I):

1. My 2 top priorities: Economic development If re-elected my goal would be to continue working on ED . We need to get the opportunities out to the business that are already here in Sexsmith. The town now has a dedicated person to create growth opportunities. Studies have show that if given incentives to increase growth among existing business they will grow.

Having a medical clinic with a least 2 Doctors or even a Nurse practitioner would help our residents with their medical needs. The town needs to work in partnership with the medical clinic staff in order for this to come to fruition.

2. I have served on many committees during my terms on Council. My experience in leadership roles has always been something that I have worked very hard on . I have brought on many successful results and my Old School Grit has worked out just fine.

3. Yes of course, Alberta should stay in Canada. We need to cut ourselves a fair deal with the Feds.

Daycie Bohning (I):

1. My top priorities are keeping Sexsmith a safe, welcoming community for families and making sure we keep investing in things that bring people together, like sports, recreation, and community events. I believe those are what make our small town special. I’m not someone with all the fancy political words — my approach is simple: I listen, I bring people’s ideas to the table, and I work with others on council to find practical solutions.

2. I’ve lived in Sexsmith my whole life — 37 years — and I’m raising my kids here with many generations of my family still calling this place home. That gives me a strong understanding of the people, the history, and the values that make our town unique.

I’ve helped organize community events, volunteered with local sports and recreation, and served on council before. What I bring is being approachable, willing to listen, and not afraid to ask questions. I think leadership is less about having all the answers and more about being someone people feel comfortable coming to — and then making sure their voice is heard at the council table.

3.  This is a big question with a lot of strong feelings on both sides. I’ll be honest — I don’t claim to have all the political knowledge to give a “yes or no” answer here. What I do know is that I love our town and our province, and I want what’s best for the people who live here.

I believe Alberta is one of the strongest and most resourceful provinces in this country man's sometimes it feels we don't get the respect or the fair deal we deserve.  I understand why so many are frustrated and the idea and question keeps being brought up.

Ken Hildebrand (I): 

1. Keep a balanced Budget for our town: As we all have found it costs so much more to live and must make financial choices, the same is for the Town of Sexsmith. We need to look at where our spending is, what areas need or can be adjusted to keep the same service levels, and what needs to change. Attract more commercial /Industrial Business opportunities: Even though the Town does not own a lot of vacant land I do think that landowners and perspective developers can work together. More Businesses will attract more housing development.

2.  I have held Coordinator positions in my work life for a major manufacture and held a supervisory position for a major truck dealership. I had good rapport with those in my department. I am presently volunteering as the Treasurer for the Sexsmith and District Museum Society.

Over the past 7 years as Councilor, I have gained valuable experience. It is important for me to make prudent decisions that are going to benefit our town. Be willing to stand alone even if it is not the majority.

3.  I do believe Alberta should stay in Canada. I do also believe that we can work out agreements that will work best for everyone.

Pauline Nelson:

1. My top priorities are Responsible Growth and Accountability. With major tech developments possible nearby, our town is at an exciting point of change, and we need to be proactive. By updating and facilitating the Municipal Development Plan with public review, we can attract the right mix of residential and commercial developers to strengthen our tax base, improve amenities, and create opportunities—while keeping our community’s spirit intact. It also means working alongside our newly appointed Economic Development officer, holding the position accountable to bring in sustainable, diversified businesses. We need to see buildings going up and plans moving forward now, not just talking plans. My approach is rooted in connection: listening to residents, collaborating with developers who share our values, and balancing opportunity with residents’ long-term needs.

Accountability means residents can trust their hard-earned tax dollars are utilized efficiently. With years of experience managing budgets in not-for-profit settings, I bring a frugal, realistic, and responsible approach—protecting residents from unnecessary tax increases while supporting smart growth. Clear communication is key: residents should understand decisions, see priorities, and know their voices are heard.

2. I’ve held many leadership roles, including founding board member and current secretary of the Sexsmith & Area Food Bank, past president of the Playschool Society and Gymnastics Club, and founding member of the Wellness Coalition. At St. Mary’s Catholic School, I work daily with the administration to support students and families, strengthening communication and critical thinking skills. These experiences have taught me how to build consensus, manage budgets, and collaborate effectively. I will bring dedication, accountability, and a collaborative spirit to council.

3.  Yes. Alberta is stronger in Canada, which provides stability, shared resources, and a unified voice. I’ve had opportunities to travel, and each time I return, I’m reminded of the freedoms, opportunities and sense of community we enjoy here. I am proud to call Canada home and committed to advocating for Alberta’s fair representation, history and a strong voice within our country. 

Jonathan Siggelkow (I):

1. I have decided to run for town council again to help guide our community in the coming years. I have a strong voice and I have many years of leadership experience. From my years on council I have come to know and work with many elected officials in other local municipalites; this has provided me an opportunity to have a strong voice for Sexsmith with our neighbors. 

I want to help our town continue to grow economically and I believe with my background in business and my relationship with local developers and builders I can do that. I want to continue to help our town adopt policies and standards and practices that will attract business and development. 

Ensuring we are fiscally responsible and that our taxes remain competitive and affordable is another priority for me. This means living within our means and growing our tax base through new development, while making wise and sometimes difficult financial decisions. 

2. I have been on Sexsmith council for the past 18 years and have enjoyed being able to help make my community a better place to live, work and play. I have been involved in the community in many ways – from working for Public Works, helping run a kids club in the community, being involved with the local Citizens on Patrol, serving on the Sexsmith Fire Department as a First Responder, playing Thursday night Pickleball with the local Pickleball club, as well as building several houses in Sexsmith, one of which we call home. 

3. I love living in Sexsmith and having the surrounding Peace country as my backyard. I am a proud Albertan and believe the citizens of Alberta deserve to be treated fairly in confederation. 

Jeremy Thorne: 

1. My Priorities for council would be to have open communication and stay engaged with residents and use this information to shape what council is focused on. I’d like to accomplish this by attending community outreach events and using social media. I also appreciate the outdoor recreation spaces the town has and would like to ensure they are properly maintained.

2. Past leadership positions for me include running my own business, mid level management at other trucking companies, and lead hand positions in-field, as well as student society positions when I was in school. Open communication and time management are strengths I will bring to council chambers.

3. Should Alberta separate? No. My reason for this opinion is two-fold. First, the amount of time and money spent on accomplishing this is better spent on other things like maintaining infrastructure and making sure our nurses and teachers are well funded and properly taken care of. Secondly, I believe in the long run Alberta is better with Canada on its side as a country then as a potentially hostile trading partner.

Chrystal Widsten: 

1. As a newly elected council member, my top two priorities are transparency and communication, along with economic development.  To enhance transparency and communication, I intend to be accessible, both in person and by providing regular updates through my social media platforms. By making information easily accessible and promoting open dialogue, my goal is to foster trust between the council and residents, ensuring that everyone feels informed and engaged in local government.

Secondly, I believe economic development is essential for small town Sexsmith, which I hold dear for its unique charm. To foster economic progress, I believe we need to fill empty storefronts and enhance Main Street to its fullest potential. Attracting more businesses, Main Street and beyond, is essential to maintain sustainability and add to tax revenues. These revenues can be reinvested into community services and infrastructure, reducing the likelihood of tax increases for residents. 

2. My experience in leadership roles spans several years, starting in my earliest years as a shift leader in the service industry to pit boss in a casino to Program Lead at a not for profit organization. More currently I’ve dedicated my skills to children, families and the helping professions. 

For the last 5 and a half years, I've successfully run a small business here in Sexsmith, which has given me firsthand knowledge of the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship. In addition to that, I currently serve as the Circulation Supervisor at the Sexsmith Shannon Library where I have been employed since moving to Sexsmith in 2018. I am excited to be stepping into the role of Library Manager on October 1, 2025.

My background also includes Crisis Intervention Training, and I’ve volunteered as a level 4 Crisis Text Line Responder. This experience has equipped me with strong communication skills and the ability to remain calm and effective in high-pressure situations, which I believe is essential in any leadership role.

No responses received from Dennis Stredulinsky (I).