A former mayor and Chief of Police in the city of Camrose has announced his candidacy for the mayor of Chestermere. Marshall Chalmers is known as one of the most popular and productive mayors to ever serve in Camrose and he plans on bringing his experience and leadership to the table to help chart a more positive path forward for residents in Chestermere.
The popular mayor of Camrose from 2010 to 2013, who now makes his home in Chestermere along with his wife (of forty years), Debbie, sees a community of great potential which is full of great people. Marshall Chalmers has set his sights on leading Chestermere through its current challenges and pledges considerable change by being elected mayor in this fall’s municipal election.
While living in Camrose Chalmers earned a reputation as a visionary and was a respected man of integrity. He began his career as a constable with Camrose Police Service in 1976 and advanced through the ranks, eventually being named Chief of Police in 1999 – a position he held until December 31st, 2007, when he retired from the force.
During his tenure as Chief, Chalmers also held the positions of President of the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police for five years, which included the R.C.M.P. and Calgary Police Service. In addition, he was also a Director to the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police.
Chalmers ran for mayor of Camrose in 2010 and was successful with his campaign to”get Camrose on the right path”.
Marshall summarizes his belief on what a mayor must bring to a community: “People should be able to expect complete transparency in government at all levels. This is a basic, but unwavering, prerequisite for a mayor. Cities have to be able to resonate a culture that is open-minded and amicable to business-people, developers and builders who are capable of creating an enhanced community and bringing better jobs to that community. With this growth, lower taxes will be the natural outcome. Public officials have to remember who pays their salary. It is incumbent on politicians at all levels to work hard at keeping taxes and utility rates at reasonable levels while providing the amenities and services that people need.”
When asked what changes he feels are in order for the City of Chestermere, Chalmers zeros in on three key strategies:
-It’s clear that residential property owners are bearing the burden of taxation in this community and we have to work to change this. As I drive around our community and venture into neighbouring municipalities, I see a lot of commercial and industrial development that is helping diversify their tax bases and was somehow overlooked in our community. Decision-makers are clearly choosing other locations, rather than Chestermere, in favour of business placement. Each of these businesses represent missed opportunities to lower our resident’s taxes, while providing employment here at home. This has to change.
-It’s also time that we usher in a new era of transparency and openness in our affairs. We are servants of the public and as such have to make sure that our decisions reflect the wishes of those who put us in office. We have to make sure those decisions are made with input from the citizens of this community. It’s clear to me that there are a lot of unanswered questions surrounding some of the recent decisions by Chestermere Council. It has been my experience, both through my time in office and my time in the police service that complete transparency is always the best way to serve.
-“I would also like to see our community be a better neighbor and repair strained relations with the County of Rocky View. Progress without trust is next to impossible. It’s clear to me that there is a serious lack of trust between the City of Chestermere and Rocky View County. This has to be repaired before proper dialogue, collaboration and measurable progress will be possible and I intend to work with our neighbors while representing the best interests of this community to ensure we all win going forward.
Chalmers reports his official campaign for the mayor’s chair starts today. However, he is quick to point out that he’s been hard at work preparing for his role. “Frankly, I’ve talked to a lot of people who believe it is time for a more positive path forward. It’s time for balance, vision, open leadership and a fresh start for our fine city and the wonderful people who live here. It’s time for change and together we can make it happen. I’m very eager to begin serving the people of Chestermere.
