COLD LAKE - With long-time City of Cold Lake Mayor Craig Copeland not running for re-election, Sherri Buckle, executive director of the Cold Lake Chamber of Commerce, has publicly announced her decision to run for the city’s top job in the 2025 municipal election.
The election is set for Oct. 20, with the nomination period open until noon on Sept. 22.
Buckle, a lifelong Cold Lake resident, said her interest in politics began years ago.
“I've been interested in politics since I was a young stay-at-home mom. I realized that municipal politics actually affects families in a deeper greater way than some of the broader provincial politics or the federal politics. So, it was then when I started getting involved and being very aware of what was going on in our own community.”
Having worked with political campaigns in the past, Buckle believes now is the time to step forward.
“I just think the years that I've worked on other people's campaigns and have been involved in politics, that this was my opportunity to be able to put my name forward and serve the community.”
Buckle believes she has the experience to back her up.
“Most of my roles in any of my careers have always been in a leadership role, so I'm very comfortable in that.”
She also pointed to her financial expertise and business awareness.
“I worked in the finance industry for a decade, so I'm accountable to budgets and understanding financials and what that means . . . I come with business experience.”
Economic development is one of her top priorities, and she notes the importance of improving Highway 28 and air service to Cold Lake.
“Economic growth and development are a big deal here for Cold Lake. Highway 28 and access to our community is an issue, and I know there's a lot of good work [being done.]”
Public safety is also a concern for Buckle.
“Safety and security I think is a very big issue and we need to look at not just our own community but look at other communities - some of the communities that are not having some of the issues.”
Buckle stressed the importance of fiscal responsibility, comparing it to household and business budgeting, and emphasized the need for council decisions to minimize financial strain.
If elected, she plans to be accessible to residents.
“You are elected by the people, you need to be able to represent them.”
