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Let us serve together
I remember when our family first came to Beaumont. The feeling of community was so evident that we knew it was where we wanted to live and grow our business. The population was less than half what it is today. We started our business out of a small house on main street and never looked back. Times have certainly changed and our town has now become a city. It is said you can’t stop progress. That is true but you can certainly manage it. Since moving here, we have seen the city grow in many ways. The question I keep hearing is what is Beaumont? Are we a small French community anymore? What sets us apart from Edmonton? How do we see our community in 10, 20 even 30 years? These are the questions that need strong leadership and communication to answer.
I have a passion for helping my community. I serve as the chair of the Beaumont community Thrift Store and Satellite Food bank, serving on the 50 plus senior’s board, President of the Beaumont Curling Club, former Vice president of the Chamber of Commerce, as well as helping numerous other charities and non-profits. I have also served as a liaison in council supporting local sporting associations such as the Beaumont Football club and serving on the Community Grant Committee.
I believe in Beaumont. My hard work, business acumen and compassion will benefit the Beaumont Community by serving as your voice on Council. A strong sense of empathy and willingness to listen to all sides before making decisions is born from my grass roots upbringing and ability to chair numerous organizations. Its time to elect a strong advocate for the people and businesses of Beaumont. Its time to elect Paul Heide for Beaumont Council.
The primary responsibility for a council member is to ensure that the city is fiscally responsible. Without a balanced budget that reflects the needs of the community, the options become very limited. In my opinion, infrastructure and safety are the primary responsibilities of municipal government, followed closely by social and recreational development. Council needs to make decisions to ensure we hold administration accountable and as efficient as possible. I have witnessed countless expensive consultations and studies that have gone nowhere since moving here, not to mention many projects that are “temporary”, incomplete or simply make us scratch our heads. We need to focus on the long-term vision of our community and budget accordingly. I intend to look at more innovative ways of funding our future needs other than another tax increase or increased user fees. These range from naming rights to our facilities to reducing red tape for permits and attracting a wider range of businesses and larger employers. It is about putting the needs before the wants to provide the funds necessary to grow our community so that future generations can enjoy the Beaumont we truly have come to love. Its time for a change.
It is imperative that all our community be able to access our beautiful open parks and City amenities. As we grow, we have more people with disabilities moving into our city. Our parks should be open to everyone, and we should have wheelchair and disability accessible parks with equipment for them to use and enjoy. Our walking paths should connect to the entire city, paid for by the developers. The new developments north of town do not connect so how is this accessible other than by vehicle? A proper long-term vision is needed to make sure we have access to all corners of Beamont by foot, bicycle or any means. Its time for a change.
I have always believed that if you are fortunate enough to do so, you need to give back or pay it forward. Without our amazing volunteers we would not have successful non-profit groups. That is why I have always tried to serve my community. I am currently the chair of the Community Circle Thrift Store, which also serves as a satellite location for the Leduc and District food bank. One hundred percent of any profits will be shared to the local community from this store. Being president of the Beaumont Curling club for 6 years through many challenges such as covid, has taught me how to pivot and innovate through some very difficult years, and the love and generosity of our amazing community. Working as a board member with the Chamber of Commerce has given me insight into the challenges of the business community and the work that needs to be done to ensure future investment. As a board member of the 50 plus club, I am privileged to hear the needs and wisdom of our seniors. You can’t plan a proper future without listening to their valuable input form the past. This is our community. It is my intention to listen and represent your interests on council and keep giving back. Its time for a change.
