WESTLOCK — Westlock residents will decide who will be their next mayor when they go to the polls Jan. 10, 2024 in the town’s first byelection since 2015.
One of two mayoral candidates is Robin Brett, a “proud Westlockian” who wants to ensure local residents are represented by elected officials who bring “impartiality, accountability and trust” to the table.
"Westlock needs to be able to trust their elected officials and to believe that they’ve been heard,” said Brett. “I’ve not shied away from making difficult decisions in the past and as mayor, I will not shy away from doing what’s essential to move us forward.”
He said he is running for mayor out of growing concern over the actions of the town’s current council, which he said have been “pretty standard and routine up until seven months ago.”
“Then suddenly and unanimously they violated neutrality in public places and used a minority group to shield themselves from legitimate criticism,” said Brett, questioning the resignation of mayor Ralph Leriger mid-way through his term and the subsequent decision of a sitting councillor to run to fill his position.
“They dismissed concerns from their citizens and when pressed, doubled down and demeaned those that disagreed with them.”
Brett also brings previous experience with town council to his run for mayor, having served three terms as a councillor from 2004 to 2013. During that time, he sat on several boards and committees and oversaw major projects including the Westlock Regional Water Service Commission and the Rotary Spirit Centre, as well as spearheaded an initiative to make Westlock “smoke-free” before the government introduced a province-wide policy.
Brett and his wife Amie, who raised their two children to adulthood in Westlock, noted the “deep roots in this community” he has established over the years and the ways he has worked to make the town a better place.
“In everything that I put my mind to, I’ve sought to help people and influence positive change,” explained Brett. “Whether that’s been through my local computer business for the past 20 years or as a volunteer firefighter for the past eight.”
With questions and concerns over council’s future direction, including actions that are being done behind the scenes, he said many people in Westlock are “justifiably not happy” and noted the town’s elected representatives are “not the council that I and others elected back in 2021."
“Light is the best disinfectant, and I will help bring to light what’s happening,” said Brett. “To be in a position to restore transparency and public trust, to listen and help chart a course for Westlock’s future with its citizens’ interests as the compass.”
For more information on Brett, visit www.robinbrettformayor.ca
