2025 Candidate Q’s: Dana Zielke
Thank you High River residents for taking the time to ask our 2025 Municipal Election Candidates the many questions before and at the All-Candidates Forum.
While we couldn’t get all the questions answered in person, we did go through the questions, remove the redundancy and have the Most Asked questions below that our candidates were invited to answer AFTER the forum.
Read on to learn more about your candidates and the issues that have been top of mind for our engaged citizens.
What does advocacy mean to you and how best do/will you practice this attribute of leadership?
No answer provided.
What is your position on water conservation?
I believe in water conservation and practice it. Years ago I lived on an acreage. Our only water source for the house was a cistern in the ground. Having to haul water once a month, usually 3 to 4 trips to the water station in town, to fill up the tank on the back of a 3/4 ton truck, having a cup full of quarters to put in the meter. Then hauling it back, attaching the hose, making sure all the water got in the cistern. Your showers get shorter, laundry is done once a week, you don't use the dishwasher every day, the toilet doesn't have to be flushed every time you go and the tap doesn't run when you brush your teeth. Water is important. Water conservation is more than just turning off the tap. It's about communication, proactive management and community involvement.
A lot of the candidates talk about local economy specifically; how do you plan to grow the economy? And how do you plan to encourage sustainable growth?
Shop local and support local. I support developing polices that encourage entrepreneurs, who would provide job creation through the growth of small and medium sized enterprises.
How do you plan on responding to the growing needs of the youth demographics (ages 10 to 16) of High River to help retain or bring them back when they become adults?
The youth in High River need to feel that they are valued, appreciated and it would mean a lot if they invested their future in the community. A lot of us have graduated from the local high school and went away for secondary education. I did. But High River lures you back. Maybe it's the location of the Town, or the opportunity to start a business, or to work in one of the many industries here already. High River has schhols and a hospital. It has an active arts and entertainment community that is attractive. It's an easy commute to an international airport. What it needs affordable housing so we can retain young families living here.
With an aging population and increase in disabled persons in our town, what steps do you propose to ensure a meaningful life for all residents?
No answer provided.
What does urban sustainability mean to you?
No answer provided.