VISION FOR STRATHCONA COUNTY - Ignite the Spirit by Linda Osinchuk as published in Womanition Magazine

Strathcona County has energy. Energy drawn from the ground and above; from the wind and sun – but the true energy comes from the people, rural and urban, that sparks our community spirit. My goal for this October election is to become Mayor of Strathcona County. Why? How is it important to our future? I will outline who Strathcona County is and how a direction setting vision will encourage us to align our priorities to make our County the community we want it to become by 2040. Strathcona County is a specialized municipality approximately 455 sq. miles between Edmonton and Elk Island Park. The population (2009) is 87,998. More than half of the population lives in Sherwood Park, which has hamlet status. The other eight hamlets are Antler Lake, Ardrossan, Collingwood Cove, Half Moon Lake, Hastings Lake, Josephburg, North and South Cooking Lake. We were designated as a specialized municipality on January 1, 1996 in order to accommodate the specific needs of an area that is urban and rural. Our history goes back to 1893 through various legislative changes and along with the namesake of Lord Strathcona, we are a proud and ever changing community. Why Linda for Mayor? Why take a risk when a councillor position is more of a guarantee? Are there any burning issues? What difference will Linda add to the future of our community – business or residential? These may be questions you are asking. First, it is healthy for a municipality to have change in leadership after a period of time. Moving forward with new ideas and a renewed passion provides a sense of renewed hope and reigniting of a community spirit. I believe it is time for this change. My decision to run for Mayor rather than a third term councillor can be best explained by the following belief: By avoiding risk, we really risk what is important in life – reaching toward growth, our potential, and a true contribution to a common good. Servant leadership – a spirit lifting leadership, leadership that enables, enriches, one that holds organizations accountable – is required to make us vital and give us hope. Some say there are no issues to warrant a change in leadership. I could emphasis that over the last six years we were to get but didn’t: Lakeland College, a full treatment hospital, at least one overpass on Highway 16 into Sherwood Park, and a much needed court house. Instead, we are getting a large transmission line above ground through our TUC (not underground) near densely populated areas and a forced partnership with our neighbouring municipalities creating a Capital Region Board, which cost us at least 3 million dollars without any concrete results to show for it. Other than increased utility costs, a non-cohesive council and a lack of vision, I would argue there are issues. Status quo is not the answer. What difference will I bring to this honourable position? There are tangibles such as a competency of professionalism through my nursing training and experiences. While operating my own home business, I developed an understanding and realization that business and accountability is the economic driver for a healthy and vibrant community. I will also bring to the position a true understanding of family and spiritual values. Married to Jim for 32 years and raising four adult children has provided a sense of moral purpose and active virtue. People reach outward to serve others and inward toward their own potential. This is where the intangible assets are important in true leadership. A wholehearted acceptance of human authenticity is important. Authenticity needs to dominate our relationships and our understanding of justice. Having a large volunteer background in various sectors, I understand the Importance of empowerment, consultation, trust, caring and most important, hope. It results in civility, love and devotion to a common good. This all contributes to a vision, a legacy for our great community. Together we must search and contribute to this vision. Through a process of consultation, communication and collaboration, we can accomplish this goal. We need to distinguish between strategic planning and leaving a legacy. A strategic plan is a long-term commitment to something we intend to do. A legacy results from the facts of our behaviour that remain in the minds of others. I believe what we plan differs enormously from what we leave behind. A true legacy establishes direction. People write down strategy and follow it. We see a vision and pursue it. At the heart of most organizations, it is vital to learn and trust each other. It results from observation, conscious and unconscious. There is a need to show responsibility for our own actions. A legacy sets standards. They are standards not just of performance but also of dignity and servant hood, of good manners, good taste and decorum. Our society cries out for the civility that results from high standards. A legacy lifts spirits! We all have a right to a spirit-lifting presence in our leaders, and such a presence can become a legacy. If we can be a spirit-lifting presence among those with whom we work, we have begun to understand inspiration. I will provide leadership full of heart, integrity and spirit. Together we will ensure Strathcona County is our home where we work and play. Through all this, we will be the Energy Capital of Canada. I can be reached at 780-497-0687, lindaformayor@gmail.com   http://www.linda-osinchuk.com/