ABOUT VICKY MCGONIGLE

Hi, I'm Vicky McGonigle

FAMILY AND COMMUNITY

I am a senior citizen, still self-employed within the community. My extended family reside throughout Foothills County, both on the farm and in the local towns. High River became my home after moving off the farm. It was my first and only choice!

PRIOR EXPERIENCE

I'm a candidate for your High River Council. Your support and involvement are crucial for the future of High River. To me that means hearing your views every day – not just on election day.
My experience:

Past Mayor of Turner Valley for 2 elected terms
Chair, Subdivision Committee, Calgary Regional Planning Commission
Lawyer for 32 years
Health and Safety Officer for a large national warehouse
Victims Services Volunteer
CAO for a Village in Alberta

I have experienced how Towns work from both sides, and understand how Council, the Community, and the Staff of High River must work together, to pursue the goals of the citizens.

VISION FOR HIGH RIVER

PRIORITIES for YOUR COUNCIL

Council must ensure Town necessary infrastructure are working well and serving the community safely and efficiently.

Council needs provide responsible financial oversight. It’s YOUR Money being spent and that must be acknowledged and honoured.

The Town Budget is the main Council policy document. It sets out the short- and long-term priorities for High River. Residents must be informed and involved in the development of that policy document.

- line item review of every budget expenditure.
- The budget is not a secret – it is how Council spends your tax dollars. I want to ensure you are welcomed during that process.

Public Engagement is crucial for a healthy community. You need to know that Council wants and values your input. We will not all agree on everything, all the time. We should always be confident though that our views as residents are welcomed, valued and included.

Whose vision is it? The future of High River should be determined by input of the residents. This is not about my agenda – it never should be. This is about making certain that High River moves in the direction that you envision as a community.
Growth, how much and why? Every healthy community experiences growth. It is up to your Council to ensure that community expansion fits with the residents’ vision of High River. The Town of High River should look and feel the way you wish it to.
If you are going to have growth within the community, you need to support that growth. For instance, High River procurement policies should emphasize buying local when available, hiring local whenever possible, and supporting local businesses so that they thrive and remain in High River. In the end though, those policies will depend on you! Your input on the issue of community growth is the cornerstone of planning for the future of the town.
My life motto has been that I learn far more by listening than by talking. I am asking for the opportunity to listen to you, hear you, and help to put your wishes and dreams for the Town of High River into motion in a responsible and forward-looking way.

I will fight relentlessly for the inclusion of your input in council meetings and other Town events. As a past Mayor, I was accustomed to council meetings that took 3 to 4 hours. That was not an imposition. That was the job. Council needed to talk decisions out, and to do so in a way that residents could see. If you see or hear all sides of an issue, I guarantee that you will be more content with the final decision. Councilors are elected – not anointed.