October 18, 2004 is Election Day in Red Deer.  Return to Election Forum - City Council Candidates

TerryLee Ropchan



terrylee.ropchan@telus.net
(403) 358 – 5531
103 Lampard Cres
Red Deer, AB T4R 2W7

Family, Personal
I am originally from the Shuswap (Chase) in the BC Interior. I lived in Calgary and Kelowna before settling down in Red Deer, 12 years ago. Troy and I have been married for 10 years. We have an 8 year old daughter. Troy has lived in Red Deer for almost his whole life. He is a one of the owners of the Burnt Lake General Store and works there as the General Manager.

I am a genuine, down-to-earth, hard-working person. I have always made time to be a volunteer whether it’s been at work, with my community, my daughter’s class, canvassing for charities, holding positions with associations, groups and committees – it has always been a priority for me to contribute my time and energy. I love to be involved and my passion is organizing things.

I am an Assistant Manager at Red Deer College Residence. I am fortunate to work in a supportive, encouraging environment where there is boundless youthful energy. My co-workers are wonderful and I enjoy my time there. My position is a job-share which, for the majority of the year, means I work 2 days a week. Our daughter is in grade 3 so that leaves me more than enough personal time to pursue a position on City Council.

My hobbies include swimming, bike riding, movies, scrapbooking, volunteering, reading, time with family and friends and I love a good fondue!! I enjoy traveling, learning new things and like to challenge myself to be or do better.

Education, Current Employment
• College Graduate, Business Administration
• 8 Years in the Banking Industry (Internal Auditor for the last year)
• 7 Year as a Stay at Home Mom (I worked occasional short term positions and volunteered lots)
• Assistant Manager Residence, Red Deer College
• Red Deer College President’s Leadership Certificate (2004)

Volunteer
At present I am not involved as a volunteer. I took the summer off in preparation for this election. Some of my previous volunteer work:

• Deer Park & Lancaster Community Association – President & other positions (1998-2004)
• Co-ordinator, Kids Summer Drop In Program, Deer Park & Lancaster Community Assoc.
• Red Deer Neighbourhood Watch Program – Fundraiser & Other positions (1996 – 2000)
• Federation of Community Associations – Deer Park & Lancaster Representative
• Helper Mom @ School
• Canvasser for local charities.

Thoughts and Priorities

One of the things I love the most about our city is its ability to adapt to changing times. We are growing into a very large city yet have managed to maintain a small town atmosphere where people do care about one another. Being a big city does not mean we have to be impersonal. City Council can continue to encourage this “friendly” atmosphere thru the design, planning and implementation of our new neighbourhoods, services and facilities.

People have moved here from across Canada bringing their hopes, dreams and families in search of the many opportunities our city has to offer. Whether it be jobs, a skilled work force, an enterprising business community or a place where people care about the environment, their neighbourhoods and each other… Red Deer has it all, the full package. A wonderful place to live, a chance to make a decent living, opportunity to own a home, good schools… all the conveniences of a larger city in a small town setting. Red Deer has done such a wonderful job of welcoming new residents - it really is no surprise that people see our city and want to call it home!

Although Red Deer has been able to manage the years of steady growth it is now up to City Council to ensure this continued growth does not decrease the quality of life we’ve come to enjoy. As our boundaries and population expand we need to ensure we have adequate RCMP and Emergency Services to keep up with the demand. Our safety should always be a priority. We also need to ensure that we have adequate commercial and industrial land to accommodate our future expansion.

My husband, Troy, and I have had home based businesses, rental property and his family has owned and operated several businesses over the years. I truly understand the unique role these types of businesses play in Red Deer’s economy. It is important that City Council continue to plan and design future commercial and industrial sites with them in mind.

Housing has to be kept affordable in Red Deer. Our new neighbourhoods have to remain diverse in their design so as to accommodate all types of housing from starter homes to the more extravagant.
Maintaining and further developing the City’s central path system, public recreation facilities, parks and playgrounds has to remain a priority when planning and developing our city in the future.

Having lived in several different areas of Red Deer, I recognize that each neighbourhood has needs and concerns that are unique and specific to their area. Unfortunately, there is something that our neighbourhoods have in common and that would be the difficulties associated with maintaining an active, vibrant Community Association. I will encourage communities to seek the grants and funding that are available for them to run programs, host events, have shelter rentals, skating, summer programs and community events.

Please know that I am open to your suggestions and I sincerely want to hear your concerns. If elected, I promise to be prepared for each meeting, to bring my enthusiasm, a positive attitude, and my commitment to contribute to the best of my abilities.

Please vote on October 18th. “Every person matters and every vote counts.”

TerryLee Ropchan

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