Brazeau County Division 2 candidate Carol Vowk, says she’s new to this municipal election, but she’s not new to politics.
“I’ve always had a passion for representing my community in the governance arena. People often refer to me as a ‘politician’ although I have never technically held a seat in any level of government,” says Vowk in an email interview.
Over the years, Vowk has held positions on both provincial and federal party boards. Her time volunteering in areas of governance has given her an understanding of how politics work as well as a network of people in multiple levels of government.
“Representing the interests and needs of the community at the level of municipal governance is the closest thing to the grassroots in politics,” says Vowk.
Though Vowk has years of experience working adjacent to political parties, she didn’t start out that way.
“I’m originally from a small town in the agricultural-based area of central Alberta. After attending post-secondary, I took a job in the head office of an oil and gas company in downtown Calgary,” she says.
After only a year working in that office, Vowk was transferred to Cynthia to head their procurement and warehousing facility. It was in Cynthia that Vowk met her husband of 36 years, and they have been living in Brazeau County ever since.
Her resume includes many jobs where leadership skills and responsible management are key. Since the mid-1980s, Vowk has worked in purchasing and procurement roles, owned a small contract operating company, managed a major equipment rental company and held financial officer roles.
That experience has played a role in what her top priorities will be if elected. “My finest skill set is my ability to listen and hear what is important to the people around me,” she says.
Vowk’s top priority is to help the County operate within a fiscally responsible and transparent framework, ensuring there is adequate reserve funding while keeping taxes in check. Secondly, Vowk will prioritize core municipal services and governance policy, while keeping to the areas that council is elected to govern. Her third priority is to work on short and long-term strategic planning, which will lead to successful development.
She says she has always been involved in non-profit groups in the county, but one non-profit holds a special place in her heart. That is the Drayton Valley Health Foundation.
“Through the great work of our board and in conjunction with the Drayton Valley Hospital Auxiliary, we have managed to lead and soon [will complete] two major projects at the hospital,” she says.
The renovated palliative care suite will have its grand opening in November, and a SIM lab that will give space for hands-on learning is nearing completion, she says.
“These are just examples of how when we work together we can accomplish great things,” says Vowk. “Both of these projects have been fully funded by the Drayton Valley Health Foundation and the Drayton Valley Hospital Auxiliary.”
Anyone looking for more information on Vowk’s platform can reach out to her by email at cvowk.division2@gmail.com or by phone at 780-202-4090.
