For a decade, Barry Kalinski has been a prominent figure in the MD. Now, he's ready to make a difference as reeve.
“Having 10-years of experience prepares you somewhat, but there are pretty big shoes to fill. Reeve Ed Rondeau did an excellent job in the position. It's a tough act to follow, but I'm up to the challenge,” said Kalinski.
Rondeau's ability to run a meeting was a point of admiration for Kalinski. Regardless of what was said during council, cooler heads would always prevail. If elected, he'll try to replicate that success.
“We might argue or disagree in council chambers, but when the meeting was over, we could all go out for lunch together. I think that just shows how well the reeve handled things,” he noted.
To ensure council keeps running efficiently, Kalinski won't try rush into making things happen right away.
Recognizing the experience current councillors bring to the table, he doesn't intend to change too much around the MD. Instead, his main priority will be to keep everything running smoothly after the transition.
“The councillors at the table right now are all veterans. My major focus would be to keep doing what we're doing. We have accomplished a lot in the 10-years that I've been there. It's pretty hard to try to top that,” he expressed.
During his time on council, Kalinski balanced duties related to ward four, while maintaining his farm full-time, and sitting on various boards and community groups.
Because he is no stranger to a full schedule, the added duties of reeve don't intimidate Kalinski. To show his commitment to the position, he's even prepared to slow down on the farm.
“One of the knocks I've heard on me is ‘well where does he think he will find the time?'” Kalinkski said. “My boys have totally taken over the farm, and I have made time for the MD for 10 years now. Being reeve may add to my day, but I'm definitely going to make that time for the MD.”
Until the next council is selected, it's hard for Kalinski to say which issues they would try to tackle first.
Instead, he's focused on tackling matters effecting the MD right now, such as high water levels on Moose Lake. Like many of the residents he represents, Kalinski wants the Alberta government to act before it's too late.
“We can't do very much until the government says we can. I'm no specialist in that field, but you would think if you dropped the weir by a foot or so, water in the lake would drop about a foot. If we don't do anything, it's going to get a lot worse when the ice melts in spring.”
No matter who wins the upcoming election, Kalinski plans to continue contributing to the MD in any way possible. After dedicating 10-years to his ward, he's ready to expand his influence to the rest of the MD.
“I've been blessed to work with all the councillors and the reeve over the years. I enjoyed serving the people of my ward and if elected I will enjoy serving the entire region.”