Leona Bertagnolli to run for election in Clearwater County’s Ward 3

Longtime West County resident and businessperson, Leona Bertagnolli is running for Clearwater County council this fall, hoping to represent constituents in Ward 3.

Please provide a little background on yourself, including how long you’ve lived in the area.

I moved to the Town of Rocky Mountain House in 1987 when I was offered a job as office administrator at Flint Engineering and Construction Ltd. I continued in that role professionally, but personally moved to a farm in Clearwater County when I married into the Bertagnolli family in 1988.

I raised my family and helped out on that mixed farm, while also taking on many volunteer roles in the community over the years: Project Manager for the new building for Cookie Jar Nursery School, Treasurer for the Early Childhood Service (before kindergarten was funded by the government), coached figure skating for many children in the community, prepared income tax returns through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program at FCSS, and I’m currently serving my ninth and final year on the Rocky Gas Co-Op board. I was also a County representative on the joint Town and County Recreation Board while it was still in place.

Why do you want to run for council?

I’m passionate and proud of our area and want to contribute to its continued growth and success while respecting and nurturing the partnerships and relationships the County has with the Town of Rocky Mountain House, the Summer Village of Burnstick Lake, and First Nations.

What personal or professional experience do you feel would make you a good councillor?

My educational and professional background is in administration and finance, supplemented by many additional certificates and self-study over the years. I also took minutes following Robert’s Rules of Order when I worked for the Red Deer College Students’ Association and the Student Executive Council for the provincial body in the mid to late eighties. Typically, each of my volunteer roles required attendance at meetings where we followed protocol. I’m sure there will still be a steep learning curve when participating in Clearwater County meetings, but I’m up for the challenge.

Personally, I would bring a genuine interest in hearing the concerns of my constituents, and I would honour the position with integrity. Being a good steward of the resources of both residents and the County is important to me.

If elected, what would be a few top priorities?

Promoting Clearwater County as a place to live, work, and play through proactive municipal leadership and regional partnerships; participating in as many committees as I’m needed on; and listening to residents’ concerns and acting on them.

Where can people learn more about you and your priorities?

I plan on getting out and meeting as many people in the community—and especially in my Ward—as I can in the next few months. I’m looking for invitations to any events at community halls in my Ward, such as Arbutus, Alhambra, Evergreen, and Condor. I can provide my email address and phone number if people would like to get in touch.

I believe the Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Meet the Candidate forum.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Should my constituents give me the honour of representing them, I will do my steadfast duty to bring forward their concerns and to conduct myself with stewardship, integrity, and accountability.

Ward 3 is on the east end of the county, running along Highway 11 corridor to the Lacombe County border.

Visit our Municipal Election page for more information on the upcoming municipal election Oct. 20, 2025.