This last week has been a week of triumphs and of heartbreak for those running in the 2021 Municipal Election for the Town of Strathmore.  

Strathmore had a record-breaking number of candidates this election, and those who did not get elected are still committed to their community.  

There were 4 candidates running for Mayor this election. The public chose incumbent mayor Pat  Fule to represent them this year, but the remaining three are looking to the future to make a change.  

Dr. Jason Hollingsworth 

“Ultimately nothing is going to change for me,” he explained when asked how he would still be contributing to the community.  “This was a different avenue to serve the community. I don't plan on changing anything as opportunities arise. I'm always willing to get involved if I see something that's of interest to get involved with so.” 

“What I do know is this was a good launching point for getting involved with some of the things in terms of committees.” 

Jason Chase  

First-time candidate Jason Chase explained that he took this as a learning experience. “I wanted to focus on the health of small and medium businesses and to stand up for the people who feel that they didn't have a voice in the last elections. There was an increase in voter turnout, I'm actually quite optimistic and I believe it was actually quite a success. That's what we really need to inspire is more people to get out to vote. 

"I sure am,” Chase answered confidently after being asked if he would be running in the next election.  “This was really just to get over the first hurdles of going through it the first time. I wanted to understand the challenges of what new candidates face getting involved.” 

Lorraine Bauer 

After a full term as councillor, mayoral candidate Lorraine Bauer will be taking some time for herself before jumping back into work for the community.  

“Well, I think my involvement in the community has been for 20 years and so for me to give up any of that would be very difficult, so I'm going to continue subsitute teaching. I'm going to continue to talk to young people in the junior high and the high schools about issues that affect them, and continue to volunteer with some causes that really mean a lot to me.” 

She has decided that politics might be something in her rearview mirror for now.  

“I've decided to just take a step back from politics. I really believe that the people have made their decision quite loud and clear. They have decided to stay with the current leadership and I'm okay with that. I wish this Council and this mayor all the best. 

“It's been an absolute pleasure to serve the constituents of Strathmore over the last four years. But now it's time to reinvent myself, and perhaps go in a new direction.” 

Council candidates who were not elected also look forward to supporting the community in different ways.

John Hilton O’Brien  

For local business owner, John Hilton O’Brien, he states he is not going anywhere.  

“I will continue in my role as president at the Strathmore Overnight Shelter. That is not connected to politics. I'm also considering working on a college. It is possible for us as a town to make a partnership with Athabasca University. I think a liberal arts college might be more sustainable.” 

Ken Kuenzl  

Sports is the name of the game for Kuenzl. He explained that he will continue to be an advocate in the community through the organization he loves. “I'm going to continue to be an active member in the community and likely continue as an executive of the Archery Club and continue to help that club grow and prosper. It's one of my passions, and I'm likely going to continue refereeing for Strathmore Minor Hockey since I have some time to do that now.” 

“One of my new pet projects is to try and help out as much as I can on the rural Ambulance Action Committee because we have a serious problem with lack of ambulance availability in Strathmore.” 

While his future in volunteering I clear, his political future is a bit foggier. “I haven't really decided yet, I didn't get into this to be a politician. I ran as a candidate because I simply wanted to make the community better.” 

Jayce Rapke 

“I think that there's sometimes certain candidates who run that have one area they want to bring awareness to or advocacy to. I think for myself, I was really looking to continue my work in the community,” explained Rapke. She said that she will be supporting the community in whatever ways she can. She is currently narrowing down an organization that will fit her skills the best.  

“There are so many great organizations and people I had talked to that that are looking for continued support, whether it be through maybe the Board of Directors or sitting on different committees, but I’m going to take a few weeks to rest and refresh, and then look or something that aligns with my goals and values.”  

In regards to her running in the next municipal election, Rapke said, “It is a definite possibility.” 

Brian Cunningham, Nicole Gibbons, Kevin Reynolds, and Craig Vandenberg were not available for comment at the time of publishing.