Okotoks council candidate Don Mably is aiming to bring some fiscal conservatism to town council.

Mably, a former psychiatric registered nurse and father of four, has called Okotoks home for nearly 30 years.

One of the things that motivated him to throw his hat in the ring is something he's seen happening right outside the municipal centre.

"I have a bee on my bonnet every time I see an electric vehicle getting electricity at one of our charging stations. I'm aware that the citizens of Okotoks are paying for that. Taxpayers are actually donating so-called 'free' electricity to people who can afford Teslas, and I have a problem with that. They tell me it's not a lot of money. The principle is really, really wrong."

It ties in largely with his broader goal of reducing spending overall.

"Okotoks has, I think, actually the entire Western world has gone on this spending spree to, so-called, stimulate the economy. I think we need to have a return to normalcy and some common sense."

The town's response to COVID is also something Mably is campaigning against.

He's fundamentally opposed to Okotoks' adoption of the Restrictions Exemption Program and describes it as an 'apartheid system.'

"I think the council and mayor have gone the wrong route on this matter in town. People are paying taxes for public services and being denied them because they won't get this vaccine. This is a problem."

Needless to say, Mabley disagrees with a lot of the decisions made by the sitting council, and would, in his words, like to see more 'common sense' coming from town hall.

The desire for a water solution is one he shares with most, if not all candidates, though he'd like to maintain quality while dealing with quantity.

"They proposed to get water from downstream of Calgary and High River. You can get quantity there at the confluence of the Bow and the Highwood. Now, the quality is the thing I'm concerned about. Currently, I like our quality. We have these wells where we're drawing from the Sheep River, and I do like the quality we have. I'd like to ensure we maintain that high quality of water."

More information on Don Mably and other local candidates is available on the town's website.

 

Send us your news tips, story ideas and comments at news@highriveronline.com