ROB MURRAY: I’m speaking with Karen Thomas who is running for mayor of Banff in the upcoming municipal election. Why don’t you start by telling us a little bit about yourself, your background and your related experience for the job of mayor.

KAREN THOMAS: I came to the Bow Valley in ‘84 to work at the Lake Louise Ski Hill. After that, I found there was a need for a private physical therapy clinic. I opened that clinic in 1986 and owned and operated that business for 29 years. I retired in 2015 as did my husband, Chuck. We always had a dream. We sailed from the west coast of Canada down to Mexico, and then into the Pacific islands and ultimately New Zealand. I knew I wanted to come home where my heart was, and that I would stay here in Banff and give back to my community that supported us for 29 years. In terms of committee work, I’ve been on the board of the College of Physical Therapists of Alberta. I am also on the board of the Mineral Springs Hospital and I was president of the ladies league at the Canmore Golf Club this summer. I’ve done various committee work over time in both Canmore and Banff. Most recently, I started the Banff Inclusive Housing Committee along with 14 other incredible volunteers from Banff. We managed to get the town to do a survey on seniors housing and disabled housing in Banff. That report just came out and we’re looking forward to taking action. Housing, of course, is one of the initiatives that I want to see addressed in the next council.

RM: Why are you running in this election and why for the position of mayor?

KT: Many people are asking me that. Why not Council? There is a plethora of very capable people running for council. As to why mayor, it was because nobody else was stepping up to address what I felt and what many people felt was an alternative. People need a different option. I know that I have leadership experience. I’ve managed 30 employees made a business run over 30 years, been involved in numerous committees, and I want to make Banff a better place to live. It’s already fantastic.

RM: Is there a top issue that you’re really passionate about that you’d like to discuss today, and maybe some ideas around it?

KT: Pandemic recovery is going to be critical. Fiscal responsibility, reviewing the budget, looking at reality. What we can afford, what we can’t afford. Obviously taxes are a big issue. The results will depend on being able to bring the resort status to fruition. Council has been working on this for 13 years with little success. Why is that? I think we need a different approach.

RM: Looking back on the last four years of Banff council, what’s an issue that they tackled you think they did really well at?

KT: The adoption of the Bow Valley Food Alliance charter was fabulous. The cost of food, the cost of housing, all of those things are very real to every resident. I can’t tell you enough about how much that will make a difference as those initiatives are followed up on.

RM: What about something you think they could have done a better job tackling?

KT: The fiasco that was the Bear Street reconstruction. The end result is a beautiful alternative to Banff Avenue and one that will hopefully bring some success to the commercial businesses on Bear Street, because they did not support it and they weren’t listened to, and it took too long. It is what it is. We move forward. We just have to learn from those consequences. That’s what this next four years is all about. It’ll be about recovery, more of a collaboration between business and residents, listening and finding the solutions necessary.

RM: If you’re elected, how would you stay engaged with the community?

KT: That is going to be the easier part because I’m incredibly approachable. I always have been. It’s been fabulous knocking on doors and meeting everybody. I’d like to set up regular interviews with yourself, having an announcement of what went on in council in the Outlook, for example, so that people know what’s happening if they can’t make a council meeting. The fact that now they are online is great. I’d like to make it more transparent so that there is more accountability. There were 20 in-camera meetings that council had since January. Even if it is something that can’t be discussed in public, there has to be assurance to the residents exactly why they can’t be included in the discussions. There’s a little bit of distrust going on.

RM: What’s an issue or part of your platform you’d like to discuss today or elaborate on we haven’t really touched on yet?

KT: Picking the right person to lead is incredibly important. I have deep respect for anybody who offers their time to run for public office, but it is important to have change. My idea of leadership is not leading by providing all the motions that are coming forward and leading the discussion as mayor, but listening and trying to get the councillors to put their ideas forward, with the decision coming from the collaboration and taking the best of everything. Leadership is about getting everybody to work together and that’s what I do well.

RM: Where can people find out more details about you?

KT: On my website and on Facebook. My phone number is (403) 763-3852.  I’d encourage everybody to get out and use your vote. Make it count. Then, whoever is elected, get behind them 100% and don’t be afraid to contact people that are representing you. Council is the voice of the residents, and together we can make a better Banff.

Filed under: Banff, Municipal Election