Okotoks - Three-way race for mayor

By Cindy Ballance
Senior Reporter

There will be a three-way race for the mayoral seat this fall as candidates handed in their nomination forms Monday.
Present mayor Bill McAlpine will head off against Andy Gray and Michele Noordhof.
“It’s the democratic way,” said McAlpine Monday, of the race.
“We will be out campaigning and doing our best,” he said.
McAlpine, who has been a resident of Okotoks since 1968, said he hopes his knowledge of the community and its issues will give him leverage over the other candidates.
“I think I have proven leadership and have a good rapport with all the citizens I run into,” he said.
McAlpine has been the full-time mayor of Okotoks for two terms and hopes it will be that experience that will lead to another three years at the helm.
In the meantime, McAlpine has set up a campaign office at 41 North Railway Street.
His opponents are also hitting the campaign trail hoping for the majority vote.
Andy Gray, owner of Action Contracting, threw his hat in the mayoral ring because he didn’t just want to talk about it.
“I feel that we need different representation and we need to be a little more proactive. I don’t believe in sitting on the couch and talking about it. I decided I would get in the race and see if I could actually make a difference,” said Gray on Monday.
Gray was also inspired to make a run for mayor by his brother who was recently killed in a truck accident. Gray and his brother would regularly talk about town issues.
“That really drove home that you only have a certain amount of time to a make a difference in the world,” said Gray.
A local business owner for seven years, Gray said he is looking forward to putting his thoughts and ideas into action.
Michele Noordhof is also hoping to use her expertise and passion to benefit the community in her race for mayor.
Noordhof is an 11-year resident of Okotoks and lives in the community with her husband and two children.
She is the office manager and support services coordinator for the Aboriginal Family Support Services in Okotoks and has been involved in the community through volunteer opportunities, children’s ministries, the Alberta Summer Games and community church theatre.
With her experience in children’s services, Noordhof is hoping to increase opportunities for youth and families in the community.
“I want to see that Okotoks is going to be a place where community people can have respect and protection of family values,” she said.
Noordhof is also hoping to encourage a balance of new industry in the community while preserving the existing businesses.
Dozen contend for council positions
There are 12 candidates hoping for a seat at the council table this October including incumbents Laurie Hodson, Bill Robertson, Ed Sands, Jamie Tiessen and Ralph Wilson.
New council hopefuls include Laurie Cherkowski, Angie Hunter, Grant Hunter, Lynne Karch, Rick Neufeldt, Mary Jane Pfeifer and Greg Philpott.
It was originally thought Linda Boychuk would run to secure her seat as councillor but professional and personal commitments require her attention, she said. Boychuk was an Okotoks councillor for nine years and is happy to see such a large list of candidates running in the election this year.
“The town is going to be in good hands,” she said.