My roots run deep in Chestermere!

My name is Michelle Young, I am a current City Councillor, business owner, volunteer, wife, mom of 8 and even a Grandma. I have lived here for the last two decades raising my family, working and volunteering. Chestermere is my community and my home.

My Grandpa, Rex Sillito, lived on the east side of the lake from 1966 to 1977. According to my Uncle Wade (Rex's son & my dad's brother), "Dad moved into that little shack on the east side of Chestermere almost directly across from Lloyd Kunkel's cabin on the west side. It seems like he said he couldn't really "buy" that place, but rather could purchase a "lease" on it because I think the county actually owned the land surrounding the lake.

As a reporter for the Chestermere Anchor, I travelled all over this City, many times, and talked with groups, organizations, and citizens about their vision for Chestermere. It has given me a unique and in-depth perspective.

I have volunteered at over a dozen local events and organizations because I believe that we all have an obligation to make things better for the next generation. That belief led me to run for Council four years ago.

In 2017, I ran for City Council, was elected and have had the privilege of serving the last four years on Council working to make Chestermere the best city it can be. During the 2017 campaign, there was an overwhelming consensus that our taxes were too high. When the current council was elected, it was a priority to lower taxes, and they have been reduced every year of my term.

* Chestermere Utilities. There were major issues with CUI 4 years ago. So in 2019, after a lot of public consultation and third-party review and advice, Council voted for a hybrid/shell option which we believed was the best option for the City and residents of Chestermere. This decision would take us down the path to the eventual dissolution of the corporation once the debt was paid. Dissolving CUI's day-to-day operations, separate office, management and other functions resulted in the immediate 8% slashing of utility rates. Curbside black cart service was also added.

* Seniors. There was an urgent need for seniors housing in Chestermere and during the current council term, the Best Western hotel was redesignated to become Lakeshore Manor - Chestermere’s first senior housing. This is the first step in addressing the aging in place housing needs for Older Adults in our community. As a member of the Seniors Task Force and Seniors Advisory Committee, I am well aware that more work needs to be done. I will continue to work diligently on the issues our community faces with seniors housing, health, and supports and services.

* Transit. Another hot election topic in 2017 was the need for public transportation - connecting Chestermere to Calgary. In 2020, Chestermere entered into an agreement with the City of Calgary to extend the MAX Purple line into Chestermere and buses can now be seen in our community.

While only a pilot project, it is an amazing opportunity for our City to evaluate and adjust the Calgary transit option over a 2 1/2 year period to see if it works for us - before investing any funds.

* Experience. The experience of being on Council has provided me with an unmatched expertise in municipal government. I served multiple terms as Deputy Mayor and I’ve been on 10 different city committees which has given me vast insight into Chestermere and its people. I know how our City works.

* Property Tax and Utility Rates. Four years ago, I listened to the concerns of residents and worked to address those concerns. But I’m not done, there is more left to do. I am committed to ensuring competitive Property Tax and Utility Rates. Current citizens should not have to subsidize new growth and new developments.

* Responsible Commercial Development. I am committed to responsible development with a focus on commercial expansion. As your Mayor, I will direct City Hall to explore the addition of a dedicated Economic Development position(s) and ways of bringing new business to Chestermere.

In 2020, my partners and I moved our high-tech business to Chestermere, where we employ 15 people, so this is an issue I am very familiar with.

Being a business owner I know the importance of balancing the budget and making compromises while ensuring the best possible outcome for everyone. I am committed to fiscal responsibility. We need to balance the requirements of a growing City against the very real tax burdens that we are all facing.

* Recreation. I am committed to providing more recreation facilities and programs in Chestermere and I am against rezoning of existing recreation lands - including our golf course. We have a unique opportunity to work with organizations with immense knowledge and experience in providing recreation to residents. Collaborating with them to provide broader, more diverse recreational options in Chestermere is key.

* Chestermere's Future. I can hit the ground running as Mayor and begin implementing the programs and services that you have asked for. I have experience with government and IN government, which is crucial for this position. That being said, I don’t consider myself a politician, I consider myself a public servant. I work for you and I want to continue to work for you.

You may have heard the quote from John Quinton “Politicians are people who, when they see light at the end of the tunnel, go out and buy some more tunnel.” I’m not interested in buying more tunnels, I’m interested in more light. I hope that you’re interested in more light too.

I have spent my four years on Council advocating for citizens and working with the rest of Council to do our best to make Chestermere a better place for all residents. To add services that would benefit those who need it and to be fiscally responsible, remembering it is YOUR money we are working with.

I trust that you vote for the person you believe has the best experience to lead this great city of ours to even greater places. I humbly believe that that person is me. And I ask for your support. Let’s do this together.

www.votemichelle.ca