The unsung heroes
Published December 14, 2007
It's always easy to recognize Mayor and Council as they are often quoted in the media and easily recognizable in public. However, there are many unsung heroes that ensure our life in Strathcona County is as wonderful as it is and we would never recognize them on the street. In some instances we hope we never need their assistance but they are always on standby. I would like to take this opportunity to thank these folks for ensuring we have a safe community.
Of course some of the first ones to recognize would be our police and our emergency service personnel. Behind the uniform are also the dispatch and support staff and the many volunteers of victim services who are always there to see us through life's most difficult situations.
As a rural Councillor, I am deeply grateful to the many men and women who operate our graders, snowplows, culvert steamers, cycle bars and hammer mowers. All too frequently, I take your efforts for granted as I travel the many miles that I do through our County. To those in the urban area, how often do you turn on the tap or drain the tub? I recognize those individuals who keep our infrastructure operational. The Transportation and Agriculture Services Department and the Utilities Department staff are on call 24/7; 417-7100 is the number that should be posted on every refrigerator in Strathcona County - just in case.
At County Hall, there is an entire brigade lead by reception staff who are the first point of contact for many of our residents. Not only do they have to have the patience of Job, they also have to demonstrate the wisdom of Solomon. The Elected Officials Office could not operate without Eleanor, Connie and Cher who not only keep us on schedule but have to know so much about every area of the County.
And then there is our new Chief Commissioner, Robyn Singleton who has had a baptism by fire as he has guided us through our regional issues. On the job for just three months, he has had to not only learn about the issues but to provide advice to Council and the Corporation on what strategies we should consider. I'm thankful for his experience and the knowledge he brings to the position. He and his team that include our Associate Commissioners, George Huybregts, Denise Exton, David Turner and the Managers of the Departments have lead us through a challenging budget process; the final decision of which will be made on December 18, 2007 at 1:00 p.m.
I for one don't say thank you often enough to the staff at Strathcona County. To you and to them, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a fantastic 2008.
Jacquie Fenske
Councillor, Ward 5
780-464-8147
fenske@strathcona.ab.ca
Last updated: Thursday, March 25, 2010
Page ID: 2014