Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Mayor Olesen is the real deal...

i met with the Mayor of Strathcona County towards the end of last year, i must say i'm impressed. after having been invited by her honor to talk about Sherwood Park and the rest of the region in general, i left the meeting with the feeling that there was clearly someone at the helm with whom i could respect.

in my past, i've met with more than just a few local, regional and international politicians and dignitaries and i continue to do so today as part of my business dealings. in that context i can say that hands down...Mayor Olesen is certainly one of the most genuine, focused and interesting people in her position that i've had the pleasure of meeting thus far...

after our meeting, i'm sure that the Mayor was thinking that i was less than politically correct as i don't pull any punches...this doesn't always sit well with folks...i just tell it like it is most of the time...

and i'm here to say that she genuinely cares about Strathcona County , the region is in her bones. she's on a mission regarding its current issues, future potential and fights relentlessly for the region every day...

should you be looking for evidence of that just ask Mayor Mandel of Edmonton if she has any backbone. having paid attention to what i call her battle royale with Mandel thus far over the Alberta Capital Region Alliance or ACRA, i'd have to say that she stands out as someone with very admirable leadership qualities and strong character...(that's not to say that Mayor Mandel is of low character, i haven't as of yet had the opportunity to meet him, so i won't weigh in on that.)

having lived in Sherwood Park for just over a year, my family and i were already very happy with our choice as we've come to experience many of the great events, choices and business potential that the Sherwood Park/Strathcona County area has to offer.

now having met the Mayor, she has actually inspired me to intensify my focus and that of my business efforts/thoughts on the region itself.

why?

simple, she's a visionary, a quality i admire. also, i believe that should the time come for commitment on behalf of the county should i prove my idea or concept to be appropriate and exciting enough for the Mayor to give me her word on an issue as a representative of the region's council...i have no doubt it will be as strong as oak...that's unfortunately rare in my experience and as such, something to be respected.

Strathcona County is the third largest region in Alberta and definitely something to be proud of...i can't wait to help out this great community in any way i can...i'm at the Mayor and council's service should they feel i have something to contribute...

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