Get to know me!

First and foremost I am a wife and a mom to three great kids! I try to instill in my children a sense of community pride and a desire to give back. I have called Red Deer home for over 26 years. I have a background in banking, having worked for RBC Royal Bank for 10 years. I am also a Journeyman Hairstylist. I was elected to City Council in 2013 and love serving the citizens of Red Deer. I would love to serve another term with your support!

I think City Council’s most important role is to be a voice for citizens. To listen and represent your wants and needs to the City Administration. I have no problem standing up and saying no when it is warranted, no matter how much pressure I am under. I am not afraid to stand alone on issues, if that is what I have heard from citizens. (It could be the Irish in me!)

I take the spending of tax dollars very seriously and am fiscally conservative. I believe we need to deliver our core services well, and then worry about the “nice to haves”. I use common sense when making decisions as I am a tax payer too and want to see our dollars spent well.

Taxpayers have seen tax increases from all orders of government and I will continue to try and keep our municipal taxes low. One of my greatest accomplishments this term was introducing a successful notice of motion to lower the City’s allowable debt limit. This is now a policy that helps keep spending in check.

I have served on many boards and committees in the last 4 years and gained experience and insight. Some of those include:
City of Red Deer Audit Committee- financial oversight
City Council Governance and Policy Committee –policy development
Nomination Committee-Chair
Red Deer Subdivision and Development Appeal Board
Red Deer Appeal and Review Board
Red Deer Public Library Board
Westerner Board
Waskasoo Environmental Education Society
Central Alberta Regional Trails Society

We have many important and varied issues facing the City during the next 4 years. A few priorities based on feedback from the community would be continuing to improve our Snow and Ice Management plan. Also supporting the full roll out of our Community Safety Strategy to help combat the increase in crime that we have seen in the City. I also recognize that expanded health care services and facilities are desperately needed, not only for Red Deer but all of Central Alberta. While this is a Provincial mandate, I will continue to add my voice to advocate for these needed improvements.
On October 16th Vote TANYA HANDLEY!!