Ask and you shall receive.
Cochrane councillor Joann Churchill announced over the weekend that she will run for mayor in the next election, and said part of her decision was due to several people in the community asking her if she planned to throw her hat into the ring.
“Everyone who asked me the question was hoping that I would run,” said Churchill, adding she heard several encouraging reasons for the request. “A few comments that certainly humbled me were, ‘because I care about the community and give back in so many ways; because I walk the talk; because I have integrity; because I represent the whole community as an elected official...”
In addition to being a councillor for the past six years, Churchill has been involved in the community in many ways, volunteering and as Cochrane’s economic development officer, which she said helped her gain an understanding of business.
“It was my community involvement that pushed me towards my political career,” said Churchill. “I care about our community and wanted to see it thrive and prosper.”
Churchill moved to Cochrane with her husband in 1998 and has worked in business management, health care, the non-profit sector and owned a consulting company.
Financial sustainability, economic development and creating a complete community would be Churchill’s top three priorities if elected Cochrane’s next mayor.
To develop a complete community, Churchill highlighted three areas of concentration: a new aquatic centre, curling rink and transit.
Economic development was an area where Churchill felt more should be done.
“We have made great strides in the last six years with acquisition of non-residential lands for business growth and new investment,” she said. “We’re all concerned about the taxes we pay to support the growth and the new infrastructure requirements to support that growth.”
Churchill said Cochrane’s current tax split is 87 per cent residential and 13 per cent non-residential, but a healthy goal would be a 70/30 split.
“This won’t happen until we’re able to attract new business investment and grow our existing businesses.”
Churchill also fully supports a phased-in, affordable transit system.
Though the demands of the mayor’s position are more time-consuming than that of a councillor, Churchill said she will maintain an open-door policy and continue to meet with any resident who has questions, concerns or an idea.
“Seven years ago, I never would have thought I would go into politics,” admitted Churchill. “Many people convinced me to run for council and to make change. I’m very pleased with the accomplishments made for the community by both councils I have had the privilege to be elected to.”
Asked what the most important attribute a mayor must possess to be successful, Churchill’s reply was simple and direct: integrity.
For more on Churchill and her mayoral campaign visit joannchurchill.com or email her at [email protected]. She can also be followed on Facebook and Twitter.
