“I decided to run for another term on Council because good governance grows from good policy. I’m running because as a councillor, I’ve proven that I’m a man of vision, that I have good ideas, and that I can formulate solid policy.”
A good example of that policy is the current Vision Statement written by Berg and adopted by the MD Council. It matches well with the results of the MD’s Community Values Assessment.
As a landowner, Berg says he knows what it costs to be a good steward of the land. “As a land steward I’ve learned a hard lesson in the last few years,” he observed. “The Alberta government does not give us an easy way to say ‘No’. I believe our lands and waters need protection, both to preserve what we have, and to economically sustain our community. Our only option is to find a new balance, because things have changed.”
“Our back-country is full of quads and random campers. The old stockyards are now home to a church. Our highways are covered with vehicles travelling 130 kph. I’m one of a few democratic representatives who recognize these changes, and I am committed to finding a new balance.”
Bjorne Berg’s appreciation for southwest Alberta began on the A7 Ranche near Maycroft during the 1970’s. “The Oldman River and the Whaleback were special places for me then, and still are today,” said Berg. He finally put down roots on the Bravo Ranch in the Summerview District.
‘BJ’ and Debbie love their community. They value the friendships they have and are happy to commit time and energy to preserving and strengthening them.
Berg is an eager participant in community activities and a leader. As past director of the South Porcupine Hills Stewardship Association, he helped the community bring a clear understanding to the energy companies of what was at stake. The result was a fairness in dealings with local landowners that remains an example in the region.
“There are many things to do, but there are a few things that really need doing,” said Berg. “After two terms and nine courses, I understand municipal governance and finance. I’m known to be a good communicator. I welcome new ideas, and I have some of my own too. I’m a planner, not by profession, but by practical experience. I take pride in getting things done because achievements are important milestones of progress.”
“I also know that progress is made and measured in small steps, and the first step is a plan. The MD’s new Regional Water System took nearly five years of planning and negotiations before it was approved. The system comes with over $5 million in provincial funding and an important agreement with the Village of Cowley. Our new ambulance contract took nearly four years of negotiations and comes with about $1.4 million in AHS funding annually, and new agreements with the Town of Pincher Creek. Our new administration building started with planning meetings six years ago and is also paid for mostly with provincial and federal funds. Our latest plan is the Final Mile Internet program that comes with over $200,000 in provincial funding. No other MD council has been as successful, and our success can be attributed entirely to the previous council’s willingness to start with a plan.”
“We have some outstanding issues. A previous council adopted an historic and co-operative inter-municipal development plan with our neighbour, the Town of Pincher Creek. I had a significant role in that initiative. Both councils committed to writing new municipal development plans. The Town completed theirs during this term. We have not. Instead we completed a Community Values Assessment, a survey to assist us in getting the plan right. This plan will take time and a lot of citizen involvement. With your help, I am committed to writing this plan.”
“In this new age of social networking, the current council continues to have difficulty with communications. Aside from the odd press clipping and the publication of meeting records on the Internet, there is still little incentive and no budget for councillors to communicate with their constituents. Yet the current council has some amazing news, successes we should all be proud of, such as how we’ve developed model joint ventures and re-linked with our neighbours, and how we’ve committed to creating a better future. My pledge remains to find easy ways to communicate with my community, to bring people together.”
“A clear vision, plans, balance, and achievements equals progress – that’s our record and that’s what I will bring to the next Council of the MD.”
Related link:
Berg on Council
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