Exerts from Bruce Buruma’s speech announcing his candidacy for Red Deer South UCP Nomination

——

Growing up in a family where mom and dad didn’t have jobs, they had businesses has had a significant influence on me. My parents saw lots of good times because of the opportunities Alberta provided, but they knew tough times as well. They knew about risks and rewards–they knew about hard work. They knew what it was putting things on the line. When you see that, you understand that and it becomes a part of you.

——

Remember when Red Deer was in the middle of the Golden Corridor where jobs, investment and that entrepreneurial spirit were alive and well. Where Canadians from other provinces came to Alberta seeing it as a land of opportunity. We’ve lost some of that spark and drive, I think people are frustrated maybe even angry and want better…they deserve better….    I’m particularly concerned about that for young adults who are just embarking on careers and setting up their lives.  I believe that hope and confidence are the foundations to success.  As we look to the future, we need to bring back hope and confidence, we need to do better.  So it is with hope and confidence that we can do better that we are here today and I am pleased to announce that I am seeking the United Conservative Nomination for Red Deer South

My top priority is to be

• A strong, committed, experienced voice for Red Deer South
• I will be accessible and connected across our community to know the issues and priorities to be a true champion for Red Deer
• I will represent Red Deer South with honesty, compassion, integrity and confidence
• I bring strong experience, a business sense and active involvement in our community
• I am conservative and have been actively involved in our party.  I know what it will take to get the job done.My priorities are

• Bring back hope, confidence and the Alberta Advantage and get people back to work to good jobs
• We need to repeal the Carbon Tax
• We need government to be fiscally responsible and deal with the NDP debt
• Address crime and create safe communities
• Ensure a responsive and efficient health care system… and that includes a Cardiac Cath Lab for Red Deer
• Education that prepares students for their future
• A big tent party respecting a diverse Alberta

——

What do I bring to the table?

I have an amazing job as part of the Senior Leadership team at Red Deer Public Schools where I am Corporate Secretary and Director of Community Relations.  Red Deer Public has a budget of $125 million, and we’re one of Red Deer’s largest organizations with a amazing team of over 1200 dedicated staff serving 11,000 students and their families.  As part of the executive team for over 14 years, I’m at the table working with our Board of Trustees and Superintendent dealing with the issues — helping make the challenging and important decisions on how education can best shape the future of our community.

I also manage community relations, communications and community engagement and am also Executive Director for our Foundation which truly changes lives of students through great support from our community.  Each year raising over $300,000 to created life chances for kids.  That senior leadership experience experience that matters.

Before that I was Vice Principal at Hunting Hills High School and taught Business at Lindsay Thurber, the high school I graduated from!

I have truly valued my connections and learned so much by being active in our community.  Each of these have provided amazing growth opportunities.

Red Deer and District Community Foundaton, chairing the donor development committee

Rotary Urban Spirits, Red Deers newest club Urban Spirits

Youth HQ

Canada Winter Games Legacy Committee

And as you have heard, I have served on the Board of Governors of Red Deer College and the David Thompson Health Advisory Council

All these and many others have provided me with great perspectives and insights to our community…its priorities and needs that will serve me well

——

We have an amazing community.  As your MLA I will be a strong voice for Red Deer South.  I will be available, accessible and connected across our community to listen, understand and be a champion for the issues and priorities that matter for Red Deer South.  Let’s bring hope and confidence back to Red Deer South and to Alberta THANK YOU!