Pincher Creek Town Council candidate Duane Filipuzzi

Duane Filipuzzi

My name is Duane Filipuzzi, candidate in the upcoming Town of Pincher Creek By-election. For those of you that do not know me, I would like to tell you a little about myself.  I was born in the Pincher Creek Hospital and raised in the Crowsnest Pass, where after graduating college I began my career. Starting off as a By-law Enforcement Officer for the Municipality of CNP, later moving into the Public Works Department and eventually earning a management position. While in this position I learned about the challenges a municipal administrative team and council face on a daily basis and believe that these challenges are common to most communities. After eighteen years of employment with the Municipality of CNP, I took a position with Alberta Parks, Pincher Creek Area, as a Utilities Technologist/Maintenance Supervisor. I remained in this challenging position until 2012, all the while increasing my experience with Government at a Provincial level and my knowledge of Municipal Infrastructure.

During the month of December 2011 my wife Leah, daughter Morgan and I moved from the MD of Pincher Creek into the Town of Pincher Creek, in preparation of us purchasing Hedderick Insurance Agencies, which we still own and operate. It has been a desire of both my family and myself to play an active role in our community by volunteering and being involved with community groups. Being a local business owner has definitely helped accomplish this.

Currently I am a member of the Pincher Creek Chamber of Commerce, Pincher Creek Legion, sit on the Town's Police Advisory Committee as a member at large and am the person that initiated the formation of the new Pincher Archery Club which I currently hold the position of President.
I know that Pincher Creek is a community with unlimited potential and an increasing desire for growth. As we in Alberta are losing our reliance on the gas fields and oil patches Pincher Creek must do what is necessary to create local jobs and stimulate our economy. Attracting industry to this area is a task which our council along with myself would be of significant importance. In saying this however, I do not wish to run my campaign based on any one key issue as I am aware of the complexities involved in leading a community. There are many issues with individual degrees of importance all of which require the attention of council. My only motivation in becoming a councillor is to serve our community, as I believe in Pincher Creek and its people.

On a personal level I will bring a common sense approach to problem solving and although possibly to a detriment I will state the obvious. As a councillor it is necessary to sometimes make the tough decisions and stand behind them, I can do this knowing that the best interests of our community are being looked after. If they are not I will fight for what is right.

As I stated earlier my one and only reason to run for council is to serve our community, I have no personal agendas or motivations. I look forward to working with the current council all the while striving for the greatness that only Pincher Creek can be.

My closing remark is this, please exercise your democratic right and vote.

Thank you for your consideration this election.

Duane Filipuzzi

The by-election for a seat on Pincher Creek Town Council is scheduled for January 11, 2016. Advance polling is scheduled to take place on January 6, 2016.