Skarsen Announces intention to Run for Councillor of Ward 2 in the MD

Darcy Skarsen has announced that he intends to run for Councillor of the Municipal District in Bonnyville for Ward 2. Skarsen, a long-time community volunteer, says the decision comes after long discussions with family and friends urging him to get involved in municipal politics.

“After several conversations with many friends and family members I have decided to run for MD of Bonnyville Council representing Ward 2.  I feel confident that I am at a point in my life that I am ready to take on this role and am excited for the opportunity to do so.” Skarsen believes he can relate to a lot of the residents in Ward 2, “the MD, especially Ward 2, is filled with young families like mine and I feel that the current council doesn’t do a good job representing the values that I feel are important.  It’s time for some younger points of view and someone with some energy and passion to represent the things we all deem important.”

I’ve lived in this area my entire life and I love it here, I want my family to spend generations here and I want to make sure they love living here as much I do. – Darcy Skarsen Municipal District of Bonnyville Councillor Candidate Ward 2

Improving the quality of life of the residents is an issue Skarsen would like to address, “as an MD councillor some of my key focus items would include quality of life, security and information although I would not be limited to them.  We have one of the richest MDs in Alberta, yet it seems like every where I go I see towns and counties doing a better job then us at delivering quality facilities to their residents.  Ball diamonds, swimming pools, bowling alleys and walking paths to name just a few things that should be top-notch but just aren’t.”

Skarsen is eager to learn more about the operations side of municipal government and discover if there are ways that the MD can improve the quality of life for the residents. “I understand that some of these are town items but the MD can be doing a better job at pushing for better facilities by working alone side our towns.  We are currently building a world class football field and track & field facility but it took a huge contribution from a private donor in order to get it flying.  We spend $30 million a year on our roads and I understand the importance of nice roads but imagine if we cut that back by 10% and put that into parks and recreation over the past 5 years.  That would be $15 million towards ball diamonds, skate parks, swimming pools, walking trails or so many other things.”

Skarsen says he knows first hand the trials MD residents have been experiencing in regards to crime, “security is obviously another huge issue these days and just like so many others in the area, I have been robbed in the last year.  The MD Peace Officers, watch groups or other services could be funded and utilized by the MD to help curb this epidemic.  As a Councillor, I would work with local law enforcement and watch groups to make sure we are seeing results and most importantly, sharing this information with the residents of the MD.”

“I can provide a young and energetic voice to MD Council,” Skarsen asks for your vote in Ward 2 on October 16th.