County of Grande Prairie Council Candidate Profile: Kurt Balderston

I’m running again because this area is my home, and having the opportunity to work to help make it better for everyone that shares this community is something I value very deeply. My family’s been here for 113 years. I’ve lived here my whole life, raised my kids here, and I truly care about this area and the people in it.

I’ve learned a lot in two terms about how things work and where we can make real improvements. Experience is important. But more than that, I believe that a politician’s job is to serve the needs of the community before their own, and that will always be the foundation of what I do. This community has given my family everything, and serving on council is how I can give back to it.

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

I’ve served two terms on county council and spent decades serving on local community, agricultural, and church boards. I’ve learned over the years that nobody understands the issues better than the community members. My job is to listen to you, and to do everything I can in the council chambers to make sure that your needs and concerns are met with the respect and attention they deserve.

I am committed to finding practical solutions that reduce cost of living and increase opportunities for families. I have a genuine love for this community and I’m dedicated to doing my part to make it a better place for all of us. I believe that as a politician, taking steps today that will benefit us for years to come is one of the most important parts of the job. I am here to serve you and your families first, and that will never change.

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 number one concern among residents the past few years is cost of living. The price of everything is climbing, and salaries aren’t matching those increases. This affects everyone, and it’s my number one priority to keep our services strong without driving the cost of living up. I am strongly opposed to governmental action that makes life more expensive for our constituents; to keep taxes as low as possible, I ensure that all spending is scrutinized, and vote for projects that guarantee our funding will have direct and tangible positive effects on the lives of families in our area.

Another top priority for me is creating more affordable recreation opportunities for families and kids. Right now, options are limited and often too expensive, which means kids miss out on staying active and families miss chances to connect with each other and the community. I want to work with schools, community groups, and our existing facilities to expand opportunities like community skating, walking trails, and affordable family activities. Every member of our community should have the chance to be active and involved regardless of income.

Infrastructure, particularly roads, is another major concern. Safe, well-maintained roads aren’t luxuries. They’re essential for getting kids to school safely, getting to work, and keeping our rural economy running. I prioritize funding for road maintenance and upgrades because they’re investments in safety and our community’s economic future.

Community safety is another priority. I made a motion to establish a crime prevention committee that’s now actively working to keep our residents safe. Crime affects everyone in our division. We need to be proactive about protecting our community, and this committee brings together law enforcement, residents, and county council to address safety concerns head-on.

4. Where can people learn more about you?

You can reach me by text or phone at 780-814-8404. I’m always open to hearing your concerns and talking more about how I can best represent you on council.

by Nathaniel Leigh