Terry Yemen, Candidate for Mayor

Hello,

My name is Terry Yemen and for the past four years it has been my pleasure to serve as your Drumheller Town Councillor.

I am now asking for your support as I run for the position of Mayor of Drumheller

My family is in its fifth generation in the Drumheller Valley and have been here since 1928 when my grandfather, Jock Pennycook, immigrated with his family from Scotland with his wife Elizabeth and three small daughters. My wife’s family is also in its fifth generation in the valley.

I was employed at the Drumheller Institution until my retirement in 2005.

Currently, I sit as a board member for the Chamber of Commerce, Atlas Coal Mine, Drumheller & District Seniors Foundation, Drumheller Stampede & Ag Society, the Town of Drumheller Disaster Services and Weed Control.

During my tender as town councillor I have voted on the issues with what I believe to be the best interests of the people of Drumheller in mind. I have voted with a common sense decision making process as you can see by my voting record. When it comes to property taxes there are always two options; to increase taxes or to reduce costs. I did not see sufficient evidence of administration making any reduction in costs and as a result I voted for only one 3% tax increase this term.

When council approved a 25% wage adjustment for a position I was the only person to vote in opposition to this motion, three months later I again voted against a 5% annual increase for the same position. Although I did not vote in favour of these motions they were both passed by council.

When council voted to approve the highest bid in a contract providing energy to the Town of Drumheller, I voted against it.

In a world wide recession with real estate prices dropping, I again voted against the purchase of a property well over the appraised value, council passed and the property was purchased.

I voted against implementation of parallel parking because I felt there should have been more discussion between the Town and the stakeholders.

I voted against spending $240,000.00 to change a softball diamond in Rosedale to a baseball diamond. Fiscal responsibility would suggest that if there is no identified need; the money should not be spent. For a quarter of a million dollars, we could have a “state of the art” skateboard park which would be the envy of towns across Alberta. This is only phase one for this ball diamond relocation and it could end up costing as much as $400,000.00; money which I am not willing to spend.

My intent in running for mayor is to effect some positive change for the Town of Drumheller that would give the taxpayers true value for their tax dollars. I will continue to vote with the best interests of the PEOPLE of Drumheller and will provide you with transparency and accountability.

Terry

For more information about Terry Yemen check out this link:

http://iamdrumheller.com/Default.aspx?alias=iamdrumheller.com/terryyemen