By mid-October, St. Albert will have a new mayor. Nolan Crouse announced Thursday that he will not run for mayor. This opens up the field for candidates in this fall’s municipal election. But first we should consider the legacy Crouse has left in this region.
There have been successes. Crouse notes in an online post that the city is in good financial shape compared to other cities in Alberta. St. Albert has also been named the safest place to live in the province and one of the best places to live in the country. Crouse has served as mayor through countless capital projects, including many that have improved the lives of our citizens.
However, Crouse has not been without his detractors, including some on city council. Some have painted him as a spendthrift, voting to put money into projects that they claim the city doesn’t need right now which would increase taxes. During his tenure, opponents have taken him to task on many issues.
It’s fair to say that Crouse has made his share of enemies in pursuit of his vision for St. Albert. But regardless of whether one is a Crouse supporter, detractor or somewhere in between, few can argue against the passion he has for this city. Crouse has been a constant presence in the community for well over a decade, going above and beyond other politicians when it comes to attending community events. He’s worked tirelessly for the community and has been a strong voice for the city in other capacities, including several terms as chair of the Capital Region Board.
No doubt that Crouse’s decision has not been an easy one. Whoever is elected as his replacement has big shoes to fill. There are still months of work ahead for the current mayor and council, and we expect they will continue to do their jobs right up to the election. But there will be big decisions ahead for both the citizens and our future council.
Mayor Crouse bowing out of the race will give other candidates a chance to put their names forward and get their platforms out early, so that voters can make an informed decision.
This fall we will choose a new face for our city, along with a new voice and new direction. As a city, we’ve been fortunate to have a dedicated and hardworking mayor and we should demand the same in the future. One of the strengths of St. Albert is our strong sense of community and we need a leader who reflects that. Whether one agrees or disagrees with Nolan Crouse’s vision for St. Albert, he has always worked to make this city a better place. Whoever wins the mayor’s seat this fall, must continue that trend.
