There will be at least one new name on the Westlock town council ballot this fall after William Norton declared he is running to claim a seat around the council table.
Norton, 32, made his intentions known on July 31, after realizing his life is now allowing him an opportunity to get politically involved.
“I’ve always had an interest in doing so, and I now have the time,” he said.
Norton has 10 years of experience in municipal law enforcement as a peace officer in various communities in the area. That work history has given him insight into how municipalities operate, as his job means he has to work with many different municipal departments on a regular basis.
“I believe I can bring something to the table when it comes to rational decision making and long-term planning,” he said. “That’s what I hope to do.”
Norton said there is nothing specific the town has been doing wrong that has prompted him to run.
“I don’t think we’re heading in the wrong direction,” he said. “I just think we can do better.”
One of those things is regional development. Norton said he feels the town could do a better job enticing outside investment in the community.
He may not know all the fine, intricate details of running a town, but he has an overall understanding of what is involved, he said.
In his years living in Westlock, Norton has been involved in many different community groups, from running the Westlock Wrestling Club with his wife Jessie to working as a referee with the Westlock Minor Hockey Association.
“I have my hands in a lot of pots and I think I can do a lot of good by being on council,” he said.
As his municipal enforcement job has taken him away from Westlock, Norton has accumulated a wide knowledge base. But, he has always come back home.
“I’m really devoted to the town of Westlock,” he said. “I had an opportunity to work away from it and I came back as quick as I could to be back in the region.”
