Hello Drayton Valley-Devon constituents. Hoping you all had a very enjoyable Christmas and New Year’s. I had a great Christmas with my family and friends and was fortunate to have met with some extended family members for the very first time! Following the Christmas season, I was able to escape the nasty -30 weather as I went on vacation for a couple of weeks but now it’s back to work.
Recently I met with Alberta Recycling Management Authority. This not-for-profit organization manages Alberta’s tire, electronics and paint recycling programs. Currently they are going through a process beginning to oversee the recycling of oil. Kuddos to Alberta Recycling for their willingness to work with Holy Spirit Catholic School in Devon to ensure the school will continue to receive grant funding needed to complete their playground project. Alberta Recycling provides grant monies across the province in support of projects like these. Learn more about Alberta’s recycling programs at www.albertarecycling.ca
I met with the Public School Board Association of Alberta to discuss some issues occurring in the education system. The curriculum rewrite was one of the topics of discussion as well a more controversial idea the Association brought forward, of a one unified public school system where charter and catholic schools would amalgamate.
I also met with the Mayor of Devon, Ray Ralph, to discuss the upcoming Hwy 19 public meeting and technology briefing sponsored by Alberta Transportation scheduled for February. Hwy 19 has long been a safety concern and Alberta Transportation has started work on a 3 phase project of twinning the highway from Hwy 60 to Hwy 2. Read more about the Hwy 19 project on www.transportation.alberta.ca
This past week I sponsored a Meet and Greet event for all elected Town/County and School Board officials held in Warburg. This event was aimed for everyone to get to know each other from across the constituency. It was a very good evening and I enjoyed having a chance to network across the constituency. Check out my face book at https://www.facebook.com/MarkSmithAlberta/ for this event and other great information.
Lastly, I had a chance to meet with a representative of a company that is working to produce electricity from Geo-thermal energy. This is promising to be a very exciting project that will produce green, renewable energy.
As always I am here to continue to help in any way with concerns you may have, my door is always open, contact my office at 780-542-3355 or 780-987-5531 (Devon).
Until next time
Mark Smith, MLA
Drayton Valley-Devon