Council Candidate Q&A: Alan Grandison

Harvard Media News reached out to each candidate running for office to ask a set of questions about the office for which they are running. The following is our Q&A with Fort McMurray Ward 1 Candidate, Alan Grandison. All responses are from the candidate or their agent and are unedited by Harvard Media News.

Harvard: Why are you running/what is your motivation?

Fort McMurray has been my home for most of my adult life. The region has provided me and my family with many opportunities and I wanted to contribute back. I decided to run for Council when I retired so I could give it the attention that I believe was required to do a good job. I truly believe in this community and being on council is one way that I can serve and represent our community. Finally, a second term will allow an opportunity to finish some of the initiatives we started in my first term.

Harvard: What qualifications make you suited for office?

I have an extensive background working and volunteering in this region where I gained a strong understanding of public service. I have sat on many boards and volunteered for many community organizations. I was the Band Manager in Fort McKay and that taught me a great deal about Indigenous relationships and a strong understanding of Indigenous history and culture. I  worked in the Social Profit sector for 15 years as the Executive Director of St. Aidan’s Society and in a management capacity for the Municipality in Community and Rural services for almost ten years. My last career was selling Real estate where I operated my own real estate business. This multitude of careers and volunteer opportunities have provided me with a broad perspective on our community and the operations of the Municipality.

Harvard: What three issues will you bring before council that are of key interest to you?

1. Fiscal responsibility is one of my key issues and concerns. We have built an infrastructure receiving a billion dollars worth of tax revenue that has been essentially reduced by over 40% so we need to do a deep dive in understanding all of our financial needs.
2. Completing all of the major projects which have been ongoing for an extended period of time, such as flood mitigation and rural water and sewer are just two examples.
3. We need to work with all of our Indigenous partners and other affected parties to ensure that the Municipality is receiving appropriate funding from the Provincial and Federal Government.

Harvard: How familiar are you with the Municipal Government Act?

I am very familiar with the MGA, it is a document I had to regularly refer to and use when I worked for the Municipality and in the last four years as a councillor. The MGA is the guiding document for the Municipality to operate