Dan Hamilton seeks a second term in Ward 5

By Tim Kalinowski on July 15, 2017.

tkalinowski@medicinehatnews.com @MHNTimKal

Coun. Dan Hamilton will be seeking re-election in Ward 5 Dunmore/ Veinerville in the Cypress County this fall.

Hamilton is a first-term councillor and deputy reeve of Cypress County. He is the owner of Rusty’s Roadhouse and the Dunmore Dugout, and brings a staunchly pro-business and pro-development perspective to council.

“I have been in business since I was 21 years old,” explains Hamilton. “It’s just natural for me to bring those considerations into council. We have to look to bring new business opportunities into Cypress County, and it’s definitely going to be a challenge. But I enjoy good challenges.”

Hamilton says it can be tricky balancing the needs of hamlet and rural citizens when it comes to policy on council, but feels the current council has done a good job in getting that balance right.

“Yes, we have had some debates over rural versus hamlet issues the past few years, but personally as a councillor I try to keep everybody fair and keep it even,” says Hamilton. “You are never going to keep everybody happy, but you can’t forget about anybody, whether they live in town or live out in the country so far they really need that road in good shape to get to them … I don’t look at rural and hamlet as separate. I look on a case by case basis and ask does it work? Is it beneficial for what we need to do? And is it cost-effective?”

Hamilton feels the county must continue to re-invent itself to adjust for a changing local economy. He says long-term planning must be council’s priority.

“I feel we are taking the right steps to attract new businesses to Cypress County. That’s why we have passed new bylaws to think about things like solar power and medical marijuana. Sure we have taken a few hits on those, but we are trying to look for new opportunities for the county. The economy is changing, and we can see that change coming. We have to be thinking ahead.”

Hamilton says he was elected four years ago on a mandate for change. He has tried his best to deliver on this mandate for all ratepayers of Cypress County. He hopes to be re-elected to continue those efforts.

“It was a big learning curve for all of us on council … I think in the past few years they are seeing us being more vocal, debating stuff, making big decisions, and just getting a lot more active in our roles. I have always tried to do a good job for my ratepayers.”

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