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

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 mayor and all councillor candidates were acclaimed: Shaun Baker (I), Dick M. Barendregt, Robert Berlasty (I), Rebecca Ketchum (I), Tanya Skinner (I) and Bailee Wills.

Mayor

Kelly Peterson (I) was acclaimed, no response was received.

Councillor

Dick Barendregt: 

1. Property taxes need to come down. Where has the Town overstepped its responsibility by doing things the individual should take responsibility for. How to make changes? To discuss the STANDARD on which decisions are made.  That Canadian roots are Christian shown in the fact that the founding fathers were all Christian and they showed it in the way the constitution was framed and  through scripture written on the walls of the House of Commons.

2. Experience? Grampa married to the same Lady for almost 50 years having 9 children and 39 grandkids. No one is dependant on Government all have successful businesses after  even tough both parents grew up in Canada in poor families. Also was CEO of an international company for many years. (Have the only dinosaur named after a company and family.) In former times was a Teacher in Private schools and later operated several businesses - AND taught all the Kids at home,instrumental in changing the Home education laws in the 80s and 90s in Alberta.

3. Of course Alberta should remove itself from Canada IF it can get a proper constitution that honors the supremacy of God as the ruler of all things and acknowledging the God given Rights of Freedom, private property, And Government from the bottom up, not as we currently have it from top down. Three distinct realms exist – the family, the church, the government. ( If we don’t we will end up with the same thing we have now inside Canada, elites coming down on the rest of us.)

Rebecca Ketchum (I):

1.  My top priorities are creating a community that is healthy, active, and welcoming, and making sure our youth feel supported and engaged. I believe when people have opportunities to come together through activities, events, and recreation, it creates a strong sense of belonging. That connection improves both our mental and physical health and makes our town a place people are proud to call home. I will continue to support initiatives that encourage wellness and bring people together.

I also feel strongly about youth engagement and early prevention. When young people are given opportunities to participate, lead, and connect, it not only benefits them but also strengthens the future of our community. I want to keep supporting programs and partnerships that give youth safe and positive outlets.

2.  Leadership has been part of many areas of my life. In management roles, I learned the importance of good communication, accountability, and teamwork. As a coach, I had the privilege of encouraging people, building confidence, and helping them work together toward their goals.

As a parent, I’ve also learned patience, adaptability, and the ability to juggle many responsibilities while keeping the big picture in mind. On top of that, serving on governance boards and committees has given me experience with strategic planning, decision-making, and listening to diverse perspectives.

What I bring to council is a combination of these skills: the ability to listen, to collaborate, and to always keep the best interests of the community at heart.

3. Yes, I believe Alberta should remain in Canada. We are stronger when we work together, and collaboration between municipalities, the province, and the federal government is key to building a better future for our community.