WESTLOCK — Westlock's new mayor-elect Jon Kramer said it's an honour to be chosen as Westlock’s next mayor and the results are a “show of confidence” in him and his track record of serving the community.
“Moreso, I think it’s an affirmation just of our entire council and the work that’s been done over these past years, that people got out on a day like today, this cold and cast their vote,” said Kramer, just minutes after the results came in Wednesday night. He said he “feels supported and motivated to move ahead.”
Kramer, who vacated his current council seat mid-way through the term to run for mayor, beat Robin Brett by a decisive 367 votes, as over a thousand voters packed the Westlock and District Community Hall all day Wednesday to decide Westlock’s next mayor and one councillor, despite the bitter cold and an extreme cold warning for the region, issued earlier in the day by Environment Canada.
Following his victory on Wednesday night Kramer thanked his opponent, Brett for his time and dedication, strong effort and well-run campaign in the Jan. 10 byelection.
“The first thing I want to do is, I want to congratulate Robin on his campaign. He and his volunteers put in a lot of time and effort and I think they can be proud of the turnout that they got to the polls, this was huge numbers for the town,” said Kramer. “On both sides I think both he and I would probably say that the engagement that we saw in our community today is encouraging. That’s what people want to see.”
David Truckey was the winner of the vacant council seat, and Kramer extended his congratulations to the newest councillor, someone he said also brings years of experience and community involvement to the role.
“It’s an honour to work with somebody who’s got experience, community connections and a pulse on the community,” said Kramer. “David knows a lot of people, so it’ll be an honour to work with him and it’s a strength for our council. I think he brings a lot to the table.”
Kramer and his wife Kim have called Westlock home since 2004, and raised their two daughters in the community. He has been active in youth sports, including coaching the swim club and basketball and has assisted with the Thunderbirds football club in previous years. Kramer currently works as a substitute elementary school educational assistant and an authorized Alberta marriage commissioner.
Over the past two years he sat as a councillor he has held several board and committee appointments including the Westlock Regional Water Services Commission, Homeland Housing, the Municipal Planning Commission, Family and Community Support Services (FCSS), Health and Safety, and the Financial Framework Task Force.
In his final thoughts on the evening, the byelection, Kramer expressed his commitment to the Town of Westlock and its residents.
“Politicians exist to take care of their communities. To do the work of making sure that people and businesses have the support they need to flourish,” said Kramer. “My one promise is, I’m going to work my hardest at this job to make that happen.”
