Longtime area resident William Davies has put his name forward to run for Clearwater County council this fall.
Please provide a little background on yourself, including how long you’ve lived in the area.
My parents emigrated to Canada after my dad received his honorable discharge from the British Army following WWII. We came to Calgary, which is where I grew up. However, as an adolescent, I didn’t like the city, so I pursued Environmental Sciences at Lethbridge College. I furthered my studies in Land Sciences at Olds College.
My career path began in earnest at Olds College and later continued throughout Central Alberta with provincial, federal, and joint municipal roles. This work focused on agricultural producers and environmental awareness. I now live in the Hamlet of Caroline, where I volunteer and pursue my interests in landscape photography and folk music.
Why do you want to run for council?
I am a candidate for Councillor of Ward 6 within Clearwater County. The vision for the Hamlet of Caroline is: “A Prosperous Community at the West Country’s Doorstep.” I want to support the previous and ongoing hard work and countless volunteer hours of the dedicated people within Caroline and the surrounding rural area who remain committed to this vision.
Efficient and effective governance will secure the region’s growth and long-term prosperity. From my experience, I know this initiative is in danger of being swallowed up and overlooked by the central bureaucracy in Rocky Mountain House—as demonstrated by FCSS removing its funding share to Caroline Neighbourhood Place. However, with my background in agriculture, I will ensure that the standards and values of our rural residents are upheld.
What personal or professional experience do you feel would make you a good councillor?
Personally, I am a very socially acclimated person. Relating well with people—whether as a college-level instructor or crop advisor to agricultural producers—was always a necessity. Another example is my role as a Guided Hikes Leader for ten years with the Alberta Wilderness Association in the Ya-Ha-Tinda. It was always a rewarding experience to educate people and hike through that wonderful ecosystem.
Professionally, I have previous town council experience with the Town of Rimbey. Over the years, I’ve taken on many opportunities with boards, councils, and commissions across various municipal governments, and have developed strong networks through seminars, workshops, and conferences.
If elected, what would be a few top priorities?
A few top priorities are ones I don’t claim as my own. My platform focuses on grassroots citizen initiatives—where the system has broken down, become burdensome, or seems unfair to residents and taxpayers. I aim to support areas where initiative, volunteerism, and a sense of community purpose are affected by a local government that is out of touch.
The Amalgamation Report states: “The new municipality will be able to benefit from the combined strengths of each community.” Let’s hope so! These are not my words, but the efforts and aspirations of Caroline and area residents who want to finally achieve “community identity,” “employment and economic development,” and a vision of Caroline as a “tourist hub.”
Where can people learn more about you and your priorities?
Email: willyumcaroline@gmail.com
Facebook: Ward.6.William
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
At the municipal, local government level, I will work for the people of both the Hamlet of Caroline and the neighboring rural communities—by working with the people. We want to actually achieve positive outcomes over the next four years.
Ward 6 is in the south end of the county, and includes the hamlet of Caroline.
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