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Candidate profile

City of Grande Prairie Council Candidate Profile: Charles Poole

Sep 25, 2025 | 11:32 AM

Charles Poole is one of over 20 residents running for a City Council position.

He was asked to answer the following four questions with a 600-word limit.

1. What has inspired you to run for mayor/council/school trustee in the Oct. 20, 2025, municipal election?

Observing the trajectory of our city’s development, I am concerned about the overspending, tax increases, and service deficiencies. The reduction of bus hours, inadequate snow removal, and consistent budget overruns are particularly troubling. Furthermore, issues with doctor retention, childcare, and rising homelessness are pressing concerns. The unnecessary salary increases, travel and expense overruns are equally alarming. City council’s lack of accountability and transparency has eroded my trust. Consequently, I firmly believe that a comprehensive overhaul of the council and mayoral positions is necessary.

2. What skills or experience do you have that you feel would make you a good fit for the role?

Throughout my careers, I have held many leadership positions, including crew foreman, supervisor, management roles, union representative, and unit chair. Furthermore, I possess extensive experience in customer service, volunteering, and entrepreneurship, having successfully established my own small businesses in our city. My involvement in various public events, such as car shows, music events, and rally car races/series, has provided me with a broad spectrum of experiences to draw upon. With this comprehensive background, I am confident in my ability to tackle new challenges.

3. What do you feel are the key or main election issues in your community, and what are the issues of priority for you?

The top priorities for myself are optimizing snow removal processes and transparency of city spending. Municipal fiscal transparency and acicuntability in city. Implementing a spending cap on council expenses, reversing salary increases, reducing travel, and conducting audits to identify operational inefficiencies. Even a 1% reduction in waste can result in substantial savings.

I also have concerns about the overspending, tax increases, and service deficiencies. The reduction of bus hours, consistent budget overruns, doctor retention, childcare, and rising homelessness are pressing concerns.

4. Where can people learn more about you?

Facebook

Charles John Poole For Council

https://www.facebook.com/share/17XHJXcoDY/?mibextid=wwXIfr