Strathcona County in 2010 was a journey of winning
a personal battle. First, let me say I am extremely
honoured and very happy in my new role as Mayor.
Let me share my story. During my second term
as Councillor, I began to think about my future
and what I wanted to do following my sixth year
as a municipal elected official. During this time,
I became very involved in mentoring women in
leadership roles and in elected positions. The
Federation of Canadian Municipalities initiated
a program calling for a 30% increase of women
participating in municipalities by 2015. In Canada,
only 23% of the municipal leaders are women - less
percentage on provincial and federal levels. That
places our country in thirty-eighth position in the
world for having a balanced representation from the
female population. This is not a gender issue but a
democratic issue. When 52% of Canada's population
is female and the numbers at the decision -making
table are only 23%, there is an inequity.
Policies and laws are debated and then created
to represent the people who politicians are
representing. This is why I became so involved in
the political process. There are too many injustices
when too much power is used without considering
the rights of the people. As women, we need to
encourage, mentor, fight and educate others
on the importance of ethical and just processes,
while ensuring that bottom-line fiscal responsible
budgeting is done.
Strategic, Passionate, Accessible, Respectful,
integrity, hard working, business savvy and caring are
characteristics I believe are a woman's best assets as
a leader - politically or in business and community. I
decided to visually place myself in the role as mayor so
that I can lead with these characteristics. I was not sure
if I had what it took. I was with my husband Jim when
I stated to him that I wanted to be the next Mayor of
Strathcona County. He thought I lost it. I would be
going against an incumbent - a difficult and challenging
position to be in - and the incumbent was also a woman.
I told him that two women going after the position
of Mayor speaks volumes. So with an amazing team,
God's blessings and the belief of positive messaging,
hard work and great campaign strategy, I became the
new Mayor of Strathcona County.
I am dedicated to listening to all residents' issues and
embracing their stories, positive or negative. I govern
with a strong knowledge of parliamentary law. I stand
up for issues when many would hesitate to. I truly
believe I was placed on this earth to champion the good
and the right. Does that take a lot of balls and positive
attitude? You bet! Politics is not for the faint of heart.
But it does take heart and a spirit of hope to know you
are there for the right reason.
So look inside yourself and ask yourself what
challenges are in t he way for you to make your
dream come t rue. It is the internal battle that you
have to win. The rest will come, if you say, "I will, I
can, I am!" I am a woman who will not give up until
I am truly happy with who I am and what I am to
do!
Every day is a blessing. Live it like it is your last!
When you wake up, ask for God's blessings and
guidance. Put a smile on your face and say to
yourself, "I will do my best today, mindful of
others and with a positive attitude." If you make
a decision that hurts someone, then it was the
wrong decision. At the end of the day say thank
you for all that you experienced that day. Even if
it is a difficult day, think about what you learned
from that experience. Hug people close to you and
pass on the best gift- a smile and a hello. You can
make a difference just by your attitude and how
people respond to you.
With two more years as Mayor in this term, I plan
to continue to be accessible, transparent, caring,
and open for business; to fight for our hospital,
buried transmission lines, overpasses, represent
industry and build relationships.
I would like to have a legacy of being the 'People's
Mayor; a Mayor who is not afraid to fight hard
issues; a Mayor who helps the young and old; a
Mayor who represents industry and business; a
Mayor who cares!
Strathcona County is the energy capital of Canada!
Energy from our resources! Energy from the sky
and sun above! But most of all the energy of the
wonderful people, who work, live and play in our
great community!
My door is open! Coffee is on! God Bless!
Linda
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