Getting value for our tax dollars and keeping spending under control is what we all expect. It’s how I’ve approached my decision making as one of your councillors over the last 10 years. This type of decision making has allowed us to keep taxes low while delivering on the services that Cochrane wants and needs.

Over the last four years, the average municipal tax increase per year was a minimal .45% with an actual reduction of 2.5% in 2014. I don’t know of another municipality that can say that.

There’s more that we need to do. We need to broaden our tax base by bringing more businesses to town and helping those that are here be more successful. Thanks to Southbow and other developments, Cochrane finally has business lands available. It’s time to sell the Cochrane opportunity and bring those businesses and jobs here.

I also want our residents to have a larger say in how council uses your hard-earned dollars. I will champion the creation of a citizen panel or other public committee to be part of the process in determining Cochrane’s budget, 10-year capital plan and other financial decisions. It’s about being engaged, transparent and accountable to you.