A strong sense of civic duty and a goal to improve Drayton Valley are two factors in Matt MacDonald’s decision to run for mayor.
Asset management, a strong stance on the situation with the homeless population, and a harder line regarding crime prevention are areas that MacDonald feels need attention. He believes these things can be achieved with appropriate fiscal management.
“As ratepayers we invest in our community and that investment should be utilized for essential infrastructure and services that benefit us as a whole,” says MacDonald in an email interview.
Born and raised in Drayton Valley, MacDonald has watched as the community has grown, but he is concerned about the spending that has been happening. He believes that a municipality shouldn’t take money or build something just because there is a grant available. Instead, he would like to see the community work with what they have and focus on maintaining those assets.
Another area MacDonald wishes to address in the community is diversification of the local economy.
“We have enough liquor, weed, and food establishments,” he says.
Though this is MacDonald’s first time running for mayor, he is familiar with how municipalities are run. While working as a Transportation Manager for a municipality for seven years, MacDonald led his department in maintaining 2,000 km of gravel road and 240 km of paved roads. He also looked after the fleet, facilities, waste, and recycling in that role.
“I believe in being honest and fair to everyone, I do not promise to do something unless I know it can be accomplished,” he says.
Along with his experience working in municipal administration, MacDonald has also worked in the oilfield for 23 years, 13 of those years were spent as a consultant for various companies. Right now, he is working in the forestry industry.
During his spare time, MacDonald also gives back to the community.
For 11 years, he has been part of the Brazeau Regional Search and Rescue Team. He spent four years as a Search Manager and is in his sixth year as president. In the past, MacDonald also volunteered for the fire department.
“With search and rescue I am also part of a provincial operations group that responds to disasters around the province. With these roles I have gained the skills to work under pressure and to be financially responsible,” says MacDonald.
Though he sees room for improvement, MacDonald enjoys his life in the community. He says he enjoys the many different aspects that the region has to offer.
“It is nice to be able to work and play in the area that you live,” he says.
